Asbestos Exposure Sites in New York
New York has 10 documented asbestos exposure sites spanning 4 industries. Workers at these facilities were exposed to asbestos-containing materials — often in shipyards, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants — and may be eligible for compensation through trust fund claims and lawsuits.
Asbestos Exposure in New York
New York has one of the highest numbers of mesothelioma deaths in the United States, driven by its massive construction industry, shipyards, power plants, and industrial manufacturing. New York City's enormous building stock, including thousands of pre-war commercial and residential structures, was constructed with asbestos-containing materials in floor tiles, insulation, fireproofing, pipe covering, and roofing. Construction workers, renovation crews, building maintenance staff, and demolition workers have been exposed during work in these structures for decades. The Brooklyn Navy Yard, one of the nation's premier naval shipbuilding facilities, built and repaired warships using enormous quantities of asbestos and exposed over 70,000 workers during World War II alone. Consolidated Edison power plants throughout the New York City metropolitan area used asbestos insulation in boilers, turbines, and steam distribution systems. The Staten Island shipyards and Port of New York facilities also contributed to maritime asbestos exposure. Upstate New York had its own exposure sources, including the General Electric plants in Schenectady, Kodak facilities in Rochester, and the Niagara Mohawk power plants. The former W.R. Grace vermiculite processing facility in New York exposed additional workers. New York allows three years from diagnosis for personal injury claims and two years for wrongful death. New York City has a dedicated asbestos litigation court that handles thousands of cases annually.
Major industries linked to asbestos exposure in New York: Construction, Shipbuilding, Power generation, Manufacturing, Building maintenance, Demolition.
Notable exposure sites: Brooklyn Navy Yard; Consolidated Edison power plants, NYC; General Electric, Schenectady; Eastman Kodak, Rochester; World Trade Center complex, Manhattan.
Power Plants
Manufacturing
Construction
Frequently Asked Questions: Asbestos Exposure in New York
What is New York's statute of limitations for mesothelioma claims?
New York has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of diagnosis for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims have a shorter two-year filing deadline from the date of death.
Why does New York have so many mesothelioma cases?
New York's enormous construction industry, naval shipyards like the Brooklyn Navy Yard, power plants, and vast stock of older buildings all created widespread asbestos exposure. Construction and renovation workers continue to encounter asbestos in pre-1980 buildings throughout the state.
Were World Trade Center responders exposed to asbestos?
Yes. The collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 released massive quantities of asbestos into the air. First responders, cleanup workers, and people who lived and worked near Ground Zero were exposed. The World Trade Center Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment.
Does New York have a specialized court for asbestos cases?
Yes. The New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL) court in Manhattan handles thousands of asbestos cases annually and has streamlined procedures for these claims. It is one of the most experienced asbestos courts in the nation.