Asbestos Testing Done in New York City after Steam Pipe Explosion

Last week, a steam pipe explosion near New York City’s Grand Central Terminal left one person dead and several others seriously injured. The incident also left many wondering whether poisonous asbestos had subsequently been released into the air, putting many more at risk.
   

Inhaling asbestos fibers can have dire consequences on one’s health. Asbestos is a widely recognized health and safety hazard, which, if exposed to, can lead to various illnesses, including mesothelioma, cancer, and asbestosis, all for which there is no cure.  The asbestos scare was namely caused by observations of previous steam pipe insulation chiefly being made of asbestos, and the knowledge that many in the city still contain the mineral today, despite initiatives to replace it with safer substitutes. The panic following the New York City explosion led officials to announce testing for the mineral’s release into the air to determine if there was any contamination.

Officials have stated that testing these types of materials is done with an assumption that they contain asbestos. Actual testing of this type is performed using filtering equipment that checks funneled in air. Air samples are analyzed through microscopes to determine if there is any incidence of asbestos.

If evidence of the toxin is found in the steam pipe involved in the explosion, then there is a high probability that debris and dust surrounding the area will contain it as well. Individuals who live near the site of the explosion are strongly advised to dispose of clothing and materials that may have been exposed. Because there has yet to be determined a safe level of exposure to asbestos, people should be cautious of going near the area until a determination is made of it being safe or not contaminated.  ndividuals may check with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for literature relating to asbestos testing, and other related information.

If you or your loved one is injured contact New York Personal Injury Attorneys Bader, Yakaitis and Nonnenmacher, LLP

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