New York City, sometimes known as the “City That Never Sleeps,” is a teeming metropolis that offers a seemingly endless supply of potential opportunities. On the other hand, in the midst of the glistening skyline and the bustling job market, there is a threat that is unseen and stealthy: asbestos exposure.
Asbestos was formerly lauded for its amazing heat resistance and durability; nevertheless, in recent decades, it has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In this post, you will read about six different locations in the Big Apple that pose a significant danger of asbestos exposure, and you will take a close look at the hazardous legacy that asbestos has left behind in the city.
1. Historic Structures
The city of New York is home to a beguiling assortment of architectural masterpieces, each of which reflects the city’s extensive past. On the other hand, licensed asbestos removal companies a significant number of these older buildings, most of which were built in the 20th century, conceal a hidden threat within their walls in the form of asbestos.
Asbestos was extremely popular during this period because of the outstanding fireproofing properties it possessed. As a consequence of this, buildings that were established prior to the year 1980 pose a possible threat to those who occupy them due to the presence of asbestos in potentially hazardous materials such as insulation, tiles, and pipes.
2. Locations of Shipyards
The city of New York owes a significant amount of its distinctive character to the maritime industry. In shipyards located all throughout the city, asbestos was utilized on a large scale, most frequently for the purpose of ship insulation and brake linings. Because of this, workers in shipyards were put in a precarious position because they frequently came into contact with asbestos fibers in the course of their jobs.
3. Power Generating Plants
The city of New York is not an exception to the rule that power plants are the beating heart of any metropolitan center; they are everywhere. Because of the insulating characteristics of asbestos, these facilities relied extensively on it to help safeguard the delicate gear that was housed therein. On the other hand, this meant that workers in power plants were subjected to the dangers connected with asbestos continuously, which might have had potentially catastrophic long-term effects on their health.
4. Manufacturing Facilities
Another potential source of hazard at job sites in New York with asbestos exposure was the manufacturing industry’s factories, which served as the driving forces behind industrial production. Workers who were engaged in the production of items such as textiles, automobile parts, and building materials were at a significantly increased risk of coming into contact with asbestos-containing materials in the course of their regular work.
5. Institutions of Education
Education is the foundation of any society, and the public schools in New York City have been instrumental in the formation of several generations over the years. Surprisingly, several of these educational institutions still have asbestos in them despite the efforts that have been made to get rid of it. Even though progress has been made in eliminating asbestos, there is still a possibility that some sections within these schools represent a risk to both the pupils and the personnel.
6. Underground Rail Transport
It is a feat of engineering that New York City has such a vast subway system, which provides a vital service to millions of residents. On the other hand, ancient subway tunnels and stations can be found buried beneath the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets. Workers who are responsible for the maintenance and repair of these underground networks are especially at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Conclusion
Workers and residents of the city who never sleep are both at risk of being exposed to the dangerous mineral asbestos, which continues to be a hidden threat. Because asbestos-related diseases may not show symptoms for years or even decades after exposure, knowledge and prevention are of the utmost importance. Studies have brought to light the dangerous legacy that asbestos has left behind in New York City and have emphasized how important it is to remain attentive and aware.