Asbestos in New York

New York's dense urban landscape and history as an industrial powerhouse have resulted in a widespread presence of asbestos in buildings throughout the state, particularly in New York City. This poses ongoing health risks to residents, workers, and first responders.

New York faces significant challenges with asbestos due to its extensive use in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries throughout the 20th century. The state's aging infrastructure and the sheer volume of older buildings containing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) contribute to the ongoing risk. Learn about New York's documented asbestos job sites, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, and resources available to those affected.

Known Asbestos Job Sites in New York

Explore 4697 known asbestos sites and job-sites across New York.

Job Site	City	State
106th Infantry Armory	Brooklyn	NY
10 East 53Rd Street Offices	New York	NY
111 Livingston Street	Brooklyn	NY
1133 Avenue Of The Americas Offices	New York	NY
120 Church Street	New York	NY
134 Marshall Street	Brooklyn	NY
134th Street & Union Tpke.	Queens	NY
136 W. 55th Street	New York	NY
140 Broadway Avenue	New York	NY
15 Broad Street	New York	NY
15th Street Near Avenue C	New York	NY
17 North Battery Pl.	New York	NY
1855 Broadway, Office Building	New York	NY
1 Wall Street	New York	NY
200 Park Avenue South Residential Complex	New York	NY

ccupations with High Asbestos Exposure in New York

Construction Workers: Asbestos was widely used in insulation, fireproofing, roofing, flooring, and other building materials, particularly in structures built before the 1980s (Example: Schools, hospitals, and high-rise buildings in New York City).
Shipyard Workers: New York's long history of shipbuilding, particularly in Brooklyn Navy Yard and other coastal areas, exposed workers to asbestos used in ship construction and repair (Example: Brooklyn Navy Yard).
Power Plant Workers: Asbestos was extensively used for insulation and fireproofing in power generation facilities across the state (Example: Indian Point Energy Center).
First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency personnel who responded to the World Trade Center disaster on 9/11 faced significant asbestos exposure from the collapse of the Twin Towers.

New York Asbestos Regulations and Laws

New York has enacted comprehensive laws and regulations to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. These regulations are primarily enforced by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL)

NYSDOL oversees asbestos abatement activities, including:

Licensing of asbestos abatement contractors
Establishing and enforcing permissible exposure limits for asbestos fibers in the workplace
Mandating worker training and certification for asbestos-related tasks
Requiring the use of personal protective equipment to minimize exposure.

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

NYSDOH focuses on public health aspects of asbestos, including:

Providing guidance on identifying and managing asbestos in public buildings and schools
Monitoring asbestos-related diseases and conducting public health surveillance
Developing educational materials and resources for the public.

Key Laws and Regulations

New York State Industrial Code Rule 56: This comprehensive rule addresses asbestos abatement projects, including notification requirements, work practices, disposal procedures, and worker safety.
New York City Local Law 76 of 2019: This law requires building owners in New York City to conduct periodic inspections for asbestos and develop and maintain asbestos management plans.

Sources

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) - Asbestos: https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/02/p224-2-23-2024.pdf
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) - Asbestos: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/asbestos/
New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) - Asbestos: https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/waste-management/solid-waste-types/construction-demolition-debris/asbestos

Were You Harmed by Asbestos Exposure in New York?

If you or a loved one is sick or passed away due to asbestos, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. New York law protects victims of asbestos exposure. We can assist you in understanding your legal options.