New York Asbestos Information

The State of New York is home to many industries, including manufacturing, printing, and shipping. Such industries have traditionally made use of asbestos-containing materials, exposing workers to known carcinogens in the process. Furthermore, many blue-collar workers, such as plumbers, electricians, insulation installers, and pipefitters, were also subjected to asbestos exposure. At the time, most of these workers had no idea that they needed to protect themselves from breathing asbestos dust on the jobsite. Many years later, some of these individuals have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

The federal government is currently investigating the actions of one company that shipped millions of tons of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite to dozens of locations throughout the USA. The Zonolite/W. R. Grace Company operated a vermiculite mine out of Libby, Montana. The vermiculite ore was shipped to processing facilities in many states, including New York, where it was "exfoliated." The exfoliation process released large quantities of asbestos fibers that were previously trapped in the raw vermiculite. This airborne asbestos dust swirled around the processing sites and floated into nearby neighborhoods. Between 1948 and 1993, over a hundred thousand tons of contaminated vermiculite was shipped to New York State to be processed. Most of the shipments were sent to Weedsport, NY, but significant amounts were also sent to plants in Watertown, North Tonawanda, Buffalo, Rochester, Brooklyn, and New York City. New Yorkers who worked in these plants or lived in the vicinity have an increased risk for developing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis.

Asbestos Exposure in New York

Due to the concentration of industry in certain areas of New York, some counties have reported a higher number of asbestos-related deaths.

New York Counties Most Affected by Asbestos Deaths

• Queens County
• Nassau County
• Suffolk County
• Erie County
• Kings County
• Westchester County
• Monroe County
• New York County
• Bronx County
• Niagara County
• Onondaga County
• Albany County
• Saratoga County
• Orange County
• Dutchess County
• Oneida County
• Rensselaer County
• Richmond County
• Rockland County
• Ulster County
• Schenectady County
• Chautauqua County

If you previously worked in an industrial occupation and have been diagnosed with lung cancer, our New York asbestos lawyers can help.

Contact an Asbestos Attorney in New York

If your loved one has developed an asbestos-related disease, please contact an asbestos attorney to explore your legal options. Use LawyerShop to find an experienced asbestos attorney in your area.