It has been well known for decades that asbestos is a dangerous, carcinogenic material — that is, a substance capable of causing cancer. Unfortunately, plenty of places still contain large amounts of asbestos. In New York City, the most populous city in the United States, there are still many ways people may be exposed to asbestos and therefore to diseases caused by asbestos.

Before its dangers became more widely known, asbestos was primarily used as a construction material. Today, asbestos can still be found in older buildings. For instance, many steam pipes in NYC still contain asbestos. Reportedly, just last year, one of these pipes in the city’s Flatiron district burst, releasing asbestos fibers into the air, causing significant concern for residents. This is far from the first time that steam pipe bursts have caused asbestos to be released in the city.

Another area of New York City where asbestos has frequently been found is even more concerning: schools. Asbestos was used in the construction of schools all across the city. In 1986, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act was signed into law, requiring schools “to inspect their buildings for asbestos and take appropriate abatement actions using qualified, accredited persons for inspection and abatements.” But in 1993, investigators discovered that asbestos was still present in many city public schools, prompting another round of inspections and cleanup.

That was more than a quarter-century ago, and yet traces of asbestos continue to be found in NYC schools, such as when ceiling plaster falls and breaks apart, releasing the toxic fibers into the air.

New York City is also filled with countless old apartment buildings, many that were built using materials containing asbestos. Asbestos removal is costly, so many landlords may be attempting to avoid inspections or falsify documentation in order to avoid paying for asbestos removal. In 2018, Crain’s New York Business reported that the New York City Department of Investigation arrested 17 people for falsifying asbestos inspection documents for 40 properties in Manhattan and on Staten Island.

One of the more notorious cases of asbestos exposure in NYC is 9/11 and the toxic materials, including asbestos, that countless people were exposed to at and around Ground Zero in the aftermath. Today, many people who were exposed to these substances are being diagnosed with diseases caused by asbestos. Thousands of people who were exposed to this “9/11 dust” have since been diagnosed with cancer.

If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos and has since been diagnosed with one of the diseases caused by asbestos, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by asbestos cancer, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while you’re also dealing with serious health problems, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.