When the mineral asbestos was used in the 19th century, it was lauded as one of the most versatile and cost-effective construction materials on the market. It was cheap, fire-resistant, acid-resistant, insulating, and more.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asbestos is also linked to causing various forms of life-threatening illnesses. Including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
It wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 1970s that federal agencies began to regulate its production and usage. By that time, however, asbestos was already so deeply integrated into city and neighborhood infrastructure that it was impossible to remove it completely. As a result, the infrastructure of many cities across the country still contains that cancer-causing material. Thousands of people are unknowingly exposed to it daily.
Asbestos is Still Used in Some Construction Materials
Additionally, asbestos is still used in some current-day construction materials. Exposure to this dangerous mineral is a real risk if proper engineering procedures are not followed due to a contractor’s negligence. According to the New York State Department of Labor (Industrial Code Rule 56), regulations on asbestos are meant to protect the public from exposure.
Even in cases where proper engineering has been practiced, the break-down or demolition of asbestos-containing structures can be hazardous for onsite workers and nearby communities. Asbestos’s microscopic, needle-sharp fibers can lacerate human internal organs if ingested or inhaled. That leads to debilitating life-long illnesses.
To avoid accountability, many companies, manufacturers, and property owners often turn a blind eye to public health concerns caused by asbestos exposure. In New York, property owners and company officials are responsible for keeping the public free and safe from the cancer-causing mineral.
According to the New York State Department of Labor, “There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Any exposure can cause illness.”
Contact a New York Asbestos Attorney
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, Hach & Rose, LLP wants you to know that our experienced attorneys will take every action to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our legal team has a long history of results in asbestos-related cases. We’ve earned our clients over $3 million in settlements.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers at Hach & Rose, LLP to discuss your rights and legal options. We’re here to support you, so call us at (212) 779-0057 or contact us online.