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Queens
Queens is, in terms of land mass, New York's largest borough and the second most populated borough behind Brooklyn. Like other boroughs, Queen's origins began with the immigrant population, making it a highly diverse community. Because of Queen's blue collar trade roots, much of the population became employed in the manufacturing and industrial sector. There are a number of occupations that Queen's residents worked in where they may have been exposed to asbestos. Those who worked in some airports, manufacturing plants, schools, and power plants may be at risk for harmful asbestos exposure, which can lead to respiratory complications including mesothelioma.
Airports
Two of the world's largest airports are within the borough of Queens. Much as Ellis Island was the first U.S. soil that many immigrants passed through, the airports of Queens represent the first U.S. soil that many first-time visitors to the country encounter. John F. Kennedy International Airport as well as LaGuardia International Airport are important parts of the Queens economy. The first airport in Queens was LaGuardia, which was named after former New York mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia. Opening to the public air traffic in 1939, LaGuardia is said to be named after the former mayor because of a famous lamentation of the long commute to the city from the Newark airport. JFK International opened its doors in Southeastern Queens in 1963.
Airports represent an important building block of the Queens economy, and employ many of its residents. Regrettably, airports are also one of the primary sites of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is most likely to be encountered in older fixtures, including those on aircraft. Within airport hangers, asbestos could often be found in piping and electrical fixtures, both within the facilities and onboard aircraft. Asbestos was used in these areas because it was remarkably resistant to heat or cold and had insulation qualities desirable for aircraft construction and maintenance. Those who repaired older planes or commonly worked on plumbing, electrical, or other older fixtures are likely those to be most at risk of asbestos exposure.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing was the driving force behind many early urban economies and that of Queens was no exception. Many early immigrant residents within the borough found their piece of the American dream realized in the factories and other manufacturing centers of Queens. However, manufacturing in recent years, seems to have taken a back seat to other industries in Queens to other emerging industries. Many of the factories have been demolished or converted into residences. At the apex of Queens manufacturing however, these factories were a driving force in the development of the greater New York City metropolitan area. Notable industry still remaining in Queens includes the budget airline, JetBlue and the Bulova watchmakers.
Worker protection was of little concern as the Queens manufacturing economy was booming at the turn of the century and thereafter. Cramped and poorly ventilated warehouses were simply a way of life for many immigrants and other Americans who were trying to feed their families. Worker's rights became an issue on some occasions through unions and management, but compromises between the two usually involved minimal concessions by owners. One of the more common workplace hazards was the exposure to harmful toxins. One of which was asbestos. Unfortunately, many workers may have been exposed to asbestos and not even known about it because the dangers of asbestos exposure were not completely clear until approximately 1980. Asbestos was used in nearly all aspects of industry that required insulation materials. Needless to say, it was used extensively. Those that worked with or around these materials may be at risk for developing asbestos exposure related illnesses.
Schools
Schools in Queens are an important part of the American fabric that many immigrant populations sought when coming to this country. They are important institutions not only in Queens but across American that define our values. For many immigrant populations, Queen's schools represent a future for their children that they may not have been otherwise afforded.
However, schools are not exempt from risk of asbestos exposure. Many of Queens' schools are older buildings with antiquated fixtures. Older fixtures of plumbing or electrical structures may be insulated with asbestos-containing materials, endangering those who encounter these fixtures. Incidents involving asbestos in Queens' schools have caused major disruptions and even delayed the beginning of the school year in the past. Those school employees who encounter these types of fixtures frequently may be at risk for the development of asbestos related illness. This may include custodial and administrative staff, as well as educators.
Power Plants
Power plants were an essential aspect of urban life. More than a million Queens residents rely upon these power plants to deliver essential power to their homes. Consolidated Edison (Con Edison) is the largest power provider in Queens and is the primary supplier to Queens' grid, as well as most of the New York City area.
Power plants and their related infrastructure are unfortunately one of the primary targets for asbestos use. Recent incidents in Manhattan and other boroughs, along with the power outage in the summer of 2006 have called to question the ability of the Con Edison grid to uphold the demands of the Queens area safely. Asbestos has been used commonly in the grid's fixtures and other infrastructure. Workers who service these areas may be at risk for harmful asbestos exposures and consequently for developing mesothelioma, a serious form of respiratory cancer.
