As Americans, we tend to take for granted that asbestos is often all around us, especially in larger cities. Before asbestos was heavily regulated in the latter parts of the 20th century, asbestos was widely used in older buildings. As such, older cities like Manhattan were often built with asbestos-containing materials.
One common use of asbestos in the construction and industrial industry was for pipe insulation, which helps explain why asbestos fibers went airborne after a steam pipe explosion occurred in New York City’s Flatiron District on July 19, 2018. As the smoke and steam rose high into the Manhattan skyline, the concerns quickly pivoted toward a potential asbestos exposure once it was clear there were no serious injuries from the explosion itself.
Major Evacuations Took Place Over Asbestos Concerns
If anyone still needs a reminder of the ongoing danger older buildings built with asbestos pose to the general public, consider that approximately 500 people were displaced from residential units. Additionally, 49 other buildings were evacuated after the 86-year-old steam pipe’s explosion. The evacuations were rooted in concern over carcinogenic debris and asbestos levels within said debris after testing positive for asbestos at ground level.
Asbestos Is Known to Cause Mesothelioma and Other Deadly Diseases
These evacuations occurred because mesothelioma is the sole known cause of mesothelioma, a dangerous and often lethal form of cancer that occurs when exposed individuals inhale or ingest airborne asbestos fibers. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos is also known to cause asbestosis and asbestos-related lung cancer.
Upon investigation, NYC firefighters discerned that the pipe had not been replaced since 1932, but fortunately, initial reports indicate that the air around the exploded pipe remains safe for breathing.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio cautioned city residents in the surrounding area of the blast to still take precautionary measures due to the risk of secondhand asbestos exposure. Further, the mayor cautioned individuals near the blast site to bag their clothes to prevent exposing family members and other loved ones to the potential harms of asbestos fibers that may have been present.
It remains to be seen what the final investigation findings will be, but New York State’s governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the explosion. We will remain up-to-date with this story in the event that it is determined New York City residents might have exposed to asbestos after the explosion.
Talk to a Ledger Law Mesothelioma Lawyer If You Have Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Frightening stories like the steam pipe explosion are a reminder of the dangers of asbestos. If it is discovered that people were exposed to asbestos after the blast, it could be decades before those individuals are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
For this reason, it is essential to speak with a mesothelioma lawyer who can fully investigate the facts and history that may have contributed to your mesothelioma diagnosis, even if it occurred decades ago. Finding the legally responsible party for your wrongful asbestos exposure will help you receive the legal compensation you are owed as a mesothelioma victim.
Contact us online today to discuss the facts of your claim with a Ledger Law mesothelioma attorney today.
