Many Manhattan commuters and residents were faced with a standstill on July 19, 2018 when a Con Edison steam main exploded between Fifth Avenue and 20th Street. The explosion occurred at 6:50 in the morning, stopping many in their tracks. However, days after the incident, residents and workers of the Flatiron District were concerned on whether their health was in jeopardy.
The steam pipe explosion sent mass amounts of concrete, asphalt, mud, and asbestos-containing materials into the air surrounding the Flatiron District. The main concern, the presence of asbestos-containing materials, sent workers and residents into a frenzy. Asbestos is a combination of naturally occurring mineral substances that, when combined, has a fluffy consistency. Asbestos was typically used as an insulator in many buildings, as it was resistant to heat, electricity, and chemical corrosion. Unfortunately, this substance has proved to be detrimental to human health, as it can cause a variety of debilitating diseases such as:
- Lung cancer;
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD);
- Asbestosis;
- Mesothelioma, among others.
To confirm the presence of such substances in the air, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, along with Con Edison, collected air and debris samples and carefully assessed and monitored the samples for the presence of asbestos. There was a clear confirmation from the agencies that asbestos was present in the samples. Prior to the official confirmation, residents and workers in the area were required to bag their clothing and other items that potentially could have been contaminated during the explosion and surrender them to Con Edison officials for precautionary testing.
With the presence of asbestos at the scene, many Manhattan residents and workers have been concerned for their health and wellbeing since they were exposed to said substances on the day of the explosion. The New York City Department of Health, along with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, have claimed that short-term exposure to asbestos cannot create any negative, long-term effects and diseases. However, these individuals are on high-alert because of the incident.
Medical cases involving asbestos have been relatively prevalent, as the potential dangers of the substance has been published and confirmed by medical analysts and researchers. If you or a loved one fear you have contracted an illness or serious disease from asbestos exposure overtime, it is important to contact a skilled New York personal injury attorney to discuss possible remedies and the potential to obtain compensation for your injuries. The experienced attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates are knowledgeable in handling all aspects of personal injury cases and are dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation or fill out our contact form.
