NEW YORK ASBESTOS MESOTHELIOMA

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of minerals which naturally exist in the form of natural fibers. It is a strong and flame-resistant material which was put to heavy industrial usage in the twentieth century due to its properties. The use of asbestos was common in construction, shipyards, powerhouses and similar industries until the lethal consequences of asbestos exposure were known in the state of New York.

Why are Asbestos Fibers Dangerous?

Working with asbestos puts one at the risk of development of a rare cancer in the lining of the lungs called mesothelioma. The following are the major types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma – Most common form of mesothelioma found in the pleural cavity of the lungs
• Peritoneal mesothelioma – Found in the tissues of abdomen
• Pericardial mesothelioma – Rarest form of mesothelioma affecting the lining of heart

While the asbestos fibers like amphiboles and serpentines are associated with mesothelioma, there has been research which claims chrysotile asbestos also causes pleural mesothelioma.

The incidence and extent of penetration of mesothelioma in the public is not yet known, though more than 3000 cases of mesothelioma are reported every year in US alone. This is because mesothelioma has a long latency period which can stretch up to as long as 30 – 40 years. This means that workers exposed to asbestos products 40 years back might be experiencing the mesothelioma symptoms of the disease now.

Where Can You Be Exposed to Asbestos in New York?

• While asbestos was earlier heavily used in industries like ironworks, shipbuilding jobsites, construction, mining, power-plants etc., it is still present in a large number of buildings in NY including schools, offices, commercial places, community centres etc.
• Brooklyn Navy yard (or New York Navy Yard), famous for its connections to US war history had many ships built there during which process asbestos was used. Workers in the Brooklyn shipyard have strong chances of having been exposed to asbestos.
• After the collapse of World Trade Centre, asbestos was found in huge quantities in the debris as well as in the air in New York because asbestos was heavily used for fireproofing the WTC building. Downtown Manhattan was one of the worst affected areas.

Since the dangers of asbestos related diseases have been known, many measures have been taken to ensure asbestos abatement and its reduced usage in products in New York and other states. Asbestos was banned in US in 1986. New York asbestos regulations have been designed to control the method of asbestos transportation and removal. As per the NY asbestos laws, only contractors licensed to handle asbestos fibers and its products and having workers who have received certification after asbestos related training are permitted to carry out the asbestos removal procedures in New York. A comprehensive legal framework has grown wherein law firms with specialised attorneys and asbestos lawyers are available for filing mesothelioma related litigations on companies that are charged for exposing people to dangerous limits of asbestos. Several specialised mesothelioma treatment centres have grown in New York to help mesothelioma patients.

To know more about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma disease, legal information including information on mesothelioma lawyers in New York and major lawsuits please explore the resources on the website. For further freely available information on the topic, please contact New York mesothelioma organization.