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Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer linked directly to asbestos exposure, and for many New Yorkers, this is not just a distant concern. Asbestos, once hailed as a revolutionary material, was used extensively in construction, insulation, and various industries throughout the 20th century. With over 4000 mesothelioma cases reported from 1999 to 2020, New York continues to face one of the highest rates of asbestos-related illnesses in the nation.
If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in NYC, understanding the scope of this issue and seeking legal assistance could make all the difference in holding those responsible accountable.
Asbestos is a mineral once widely used in construction for its heat resistance and durability. However, the dangers of asbestos exposure, particularly the risk of developing mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, only became widely known later. When asbestos fibers are disturbed and released into the air, they can be inhaled or ingested, causing long-term health issues. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, often making early detection difficult, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease is usually in an advanced stage.
With its iconic skyline and older infrastructure, New York City is a high-risk area for asbestos exposure. Many of the city’s buildings were constructed between the early 1900s and 1980s when asbestos was commonly used in schools, offices, homes, and even subways. Construction, renovation, and demolition projects in NYC often disturb these materials, releasing dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
Areas like Manhattan and other boroughs are particularly vulnerable because of older buildings and frequent renovation projects. Workers in high-exposure fields such as construction, shipyards, and manufacturing are especially at risk, but even office workers and residents of older buildings can unknowingly be exposed to asbestos.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma cases are far from rare in New York. The state has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related illnesses in the U.S., with thousands of mesothelioma diagnoses over the past few decades. Occupations such as construction, demolition, and building maintenance carry high exposure rates, but everyday New Yorkers—teachers, firefighters, electricians—have also been affected. Many were unknowingly exposed to asbestos in their daily work environments.
Although asbestos use has decreased, it still poses a threat. Many older buildings in NYC contain asbestos, and when renovation or demolition occurs without proper safety measures, the fibers can become airborne, endangering workers and residents. While regulations exist to manage asbestos during construction, these rules are not always followed. There have been numerous incidents of unsafe asbestos handling, where contractors and building owners failed to disclose its presence or took inadequate precautions.
Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Macaluso & Fafinski, P.C., we focus on holding negligent landlords, employers, and manufacturers accountable for their role in asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma cases often involve lengthy investigations and numerous parties, but our dedicated team will fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Whether exposure occurred at a job site or in a residential building, we’ll take immediate steps to protect your legal rights. Call us at 718-857-3663 or use our online contact form for a free consultation.
