Empire State Building

History & Asbestos Use

Built in just 410 days between 1930 and 1931, the Empire State Building used asbestos spray-on fireproofing, pipe insulation, and floor materials standard for high-rise construction of that era. The building's 102 floors and extensive mechanical systems contained thousands of tons of asbestos-containing materials. Major renovation projects throughout the late 20th century included asbestos abatement, particularly during the comprehensive modernization program begun in the 2000s.

Exposure Details

Asbestos was used in spray-on fireproofing on structural steel, pipe and duct insulation in mechanical spaces, floor tiles, and boiler room insulation. The building's massive heating and mechanical systems required extensive asbestos insulation that was maintained and replaced by building engineers over decades. Workers in boiler rooms, elevator shafts, and utility corridors faced concentrated exposure in enclosed spaces.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at Empire State Building had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

• Construction workers
• Maintenance workers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• HVAC technicians
• Elevator mechanics

Health Effects

Building trades workers who performed construction, maintenance, and renovation work at the Empire State Building have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The sheer scale of the building meant that large numbers of workers were exposed over its long history. Workers who spent careers maintaining the building's mechanical systems in enclosed spaces faced particularly high cumulative exposure.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Related Exposure Sites

Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at Empire State Building and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Mount Sinai Health System

New York, NY

Cancer Center

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NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center

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Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

• New York City Department of Environmental Protection records — accessed 2026-03-09
• OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
• Building renovation historical records — accessed 2026-03-09