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Mesothelioma in Manhattan, New York

Linda Molinari
Author: Linda Molinari
Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 11/12/2025

Workers in Manhattan, New York, used asbestos products during the construction of skyscrapers, office buildings, apartments and schools until the 1980s. Workers involved with the construction and renovation of these buildings could be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Local treatment and legal resources can be found below.

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Asbestos use in New York

Manhattan, New York Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma patients in Manhattan have many options when seeking treatment. There are multiple mesothelioma cancer centers and doctors in New York City. These resources offer patients the opportunity to choose a healthcare team they’re comfortable with.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving Manhattan, New York

Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Manhattan have access to mesothelioma cancer centers in New York City. For instance, Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Lung and Thoracic Services are located in the Upper East Side. Mount Sinai is home to renowned mesothelioma specialists.

At this center, mesothelioma patients can access a range of cutting-edge treatment options and support services. They may be eligible to take part in mesothelioma clinical trials. Additional cancer centers that treat mesothelioma are located throughout the city and in nearby New Jersey.

Photo of Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Bronx, NY 10461
Photo of Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032
Photo of Mount Sinai Medical Center
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Lung and Thoracic Cancer Services at The Mount Sinai Hospital
New York, NY 10029
Photo of NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center
NY-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY 10032
Photo of NYU Langone Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center
Perlmutter Cancer Center – Lung Cancer Center
New York, NY 10016
Photo of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Photo of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven
New Haven, CT 06511
Photo of Hematology and Oncology Associates of Central New York
Hematology and Oncology Associates of Central New York
East Syracuse, NY 13057

Manhattan, New York Mesothelioma Doctors

Mesothelioma patients should seek care from doctors who specialize in this rare type of cancer. There are many mesothelioma doctors in New York and New Jersey. Specialists use therapies for mesothelioma, such as immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. They also develop personalized care and treatment plans for their patients. Many of these mesothelioma doctors are also involved in mesothelioma research and can help their patients access clinical trials.

Photo of Dr. John A. Chabot
Dr. John A. Chabot
Chief of the Division of GI & Endocrine Surgery and Executive Director of the Pancreas Center
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Raja M. Flores
Dr. Raja M. Flores
Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Andrea S. Wolf
Dr. Andrea S. Wolf
Thoracic Surgeon
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Emanuela Taioli
Dr. Emanuela Taioli
Director of the Institute for Translational Epidemiology and the Center for the Study of Thoracic Diseases Outcomes
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio
Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio
Thoracic Surgeon & Director of Clinical Thoracic Surgery and Director of NYU Langone Lung Cancer Center
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Harvey Pass
Dr. Harvey Pass
Director of General Thoracic Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Oncology
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Daniel H. Sterman
Dr. Daniel H. Sterman
Director of Multidisciplinary Pulmonary Oncology Program
New York, NY
Photo of Dr. Tracey L. Weigel
Dr. Tracey L. Weigel
Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Valhalla, NY
Photo of Dr. John D. Allendorf
Dr. John D. Allendorf
Surgical Oncologist
Mineola, NY
Photo of Dr. Shahriyour Andaz
Dr. Shahriyour Andaz
Director of Thoracic Oncology
Lynbrook, NY
Photo of Dr. Bruce G. Haffty
Dr. Bruce G. Haffty
Chief of Staff and Chair of Radiation Oncology
New Brunswick, NJ
Photo of Dr. H. Richard Alexander, Jr.
Dr. H. Richard Alexander, Jr.
Chief Surgical Officer
New Brunswick, NJ
Photo of Dr. Frank C. Detterbeck
Dr. Frank C. Detterbeck
Thoracic Surgeon; Chief, Thoracic Surgery; & Surgical Director, Thoracic Oncology
New Haven, CT
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Manhattan, New York Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Workers and residents may have been exposed to asbestos in New York, leading to an asbestos disease diagnosis. Manhattan workers who were employed in industrial or construction settings may have been exposed to asbestos materials. Individuals diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness from this exposure may be eligible for compensation.

Mesothelioma lawyers experienced in asbestos litigation are familiar with filing mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos bankruptcy claims. Lawyers with experience in filing asbestos lawsuits will work to hold asbestos companies accountable for wrongful exposure. Mesothelioma attorneys may be able to help secure compensation for victims.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in Manhattan, New York

If you were exposed to asbestos in New York at a commercial, residential or military site and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Mesothelioma lawyers can advocate for clients in Manhattan seeking compensation from companies at fault. Experienced national law firms familiar with New York laws related to asbestos lawsuits can guide clients through the filing process.

Lawyers with established track records understand the effects of a mesothelioma diagnosis. These attorneys have significant medical knowledge and legal experience to build a case. An asbestos attorney can answer questions and support clients throughout the entire legal process, including negotiating settlements for mesothelioma.

Logo for Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen
The New York mesothelioma lawyers of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen have represented over 500 New York city and state residents diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Logo for Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC
Fighting for New York asbestos injury victims with a combined experience of over 100 years. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Super Lawyers®.
Logo for Meirowitz & Wasserberg
The trusted mesothelioma attorneys from Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP have deep knowledge of complex mesothelioma case law across multiple jurisdictions and have secured millions in compensation for their clients.
Logo for The Gori Law Firm
Over 16 years of experience serving asbestos injury victims. The Gori Law Firm is recognized by Super Lawyers®, National Trial Lawyers and the American Society of Legal Advocates (ASLA).

Deadlines for Filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits in Manhattan, New York

Mesothelioma attorneys help guide patients through the mesothelioma case process to ensure they get the compensation they deserve. Choosing a mesothelioma law firm with experience in New York’s laws can help ensure smooth legal proceedings.

Statutes of Limitations for Manhattan
Personal Injury

Claims must be filed within 3 years after an asbestos-related diagnosis.

Wrongful Death

Claims must be filed within 2 years after an asbestos-related death.

Compensation can help people with asbestos-related diseases and their families secure the funds they need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages and travel costs.

Successful asbestos lawsuits in Manhattan include:

Client Profile

Age: 86

Occupations: Merchant Marine, Stationary engineer

Jobsites Worked at: City of New York Department of Public Works (1951 – 1952)

Settlement: ~$2,699,397

Client Profile

Age: 86

Occupations: Merchant Marine, Shipyard worker

Jobsites Worked at: Hudson Laundry Company (1947 – 1950)

Settlement: ~$914,491

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Asbestos Use in Manhattan, New York

New York’s Manhattan is one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Manhattan has various industries that have used a significant amount of asbestos. Many workers and residents in the city are at risk of asbestos exposure, which may lead to the development of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The prosperous construction industry in Manhattan resulted in iconic skyscrapers that form the popular skyline today. The construction of these skyscraper office buildings, department stores, apartment complexes and schools put numerous workers at risk because of asbestos.

Before 1980, common materials used during the construction of these buildings contained asbestos. Fireproofing, insulation, roofing materials, ceiling and floor tiles, cement products and heat- and corrosion-resistant products all contained asbestos and were used extensively during the construction process. Because it is still present, asbestos can be released during demolition, remodeling, repair and maintenance in these buildings.

Asbestos has also been found in the city’s steam pipes. Below Manhattan’s city streets lies a vast network of steam pipes that spans miles. Asbestos material was commonly used for the thermal insulation in the steam pipe network. Workers who installed and repaired these pipes were often exposed to the asbestos contained in the insulation. Authorities also detected asbestos in steam that escaped into the air from underground piping that ruptured in Manhattan. Issues arising from these steam pipes may present a threat to residents exposed to the asbestos-contaminated steam.

New York County Mesothelioma Deaths by Gender 1999 – 2020
Gender Number of Deaths
Male 73
Female 45

Asbestos in Skyscrapers in Manhattan, New York

Before regulations were enacted in the 1980s, asbestos was widely used during the construction of buildings in Manhattan. Some of the most famous Manhattan buildings constructed at this time included the Pan Am Building, the World Trade Center and Madison Square Garden. Asbestos was used to insulate, soundproof and fireproof the buildings.

In 1971, Mount Sinai School of Medicine reported that asbestos fire-proofing materials had been sprayed in many of the large buildings constructed in Manhattan during the 1950s and 1960s. A spokesperson for the New York Public Interest Research Group explained that the protective materials binding the asbestos were deteriorating. Worn or damaged asbestos products can release dangerous fibers into the air in the ventilation systems.

Asbestos dangers became known to builders in the early 1970s. That new knowledge stopped the use of asbestos in subsequent construction. The World Trade Center was partially completed when the dangers of asbestos became known. Because the use of asbestos had halted, only the lower floors of the towers had asbestos in them.

The attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, caused the collapse of the twin towers and surrounding towers and buildings. This resulted in large amounts of toxins, including hundreds of tons of asbestos, being expelled in a dust cloud. First responders, workers in the buildings, residents in nearby apartment buildings and individuals who assisted with the cleanup efforts were exposed to high doses of asbestos fibers and other toxins. Individuals who were present at Ground Zero are at risk of developing mesothelioma from this asbestos exposure.

Additional pollution problems threatened lower Manhattan in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Debris and dust accumulated from the fallen towers in nearby offices and residences. Many of these buildings were not properly cleaned and remained a threat to individuals inhaling the polluted air.

More than 111,000 people are enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program. This program gives free medical care to people with health problems associated with their exposure to the toxic dust from the attacks. The U.S. has spent $11.7 billion on care and compensation for individuals exposed to these toxins. Individuals who worked or lived in lower Manhattan are eligible for free care under this program if they develop certain illnesses. Continuous, long-lasting exposure to asbestos can lead to various asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma. Two decades have passed and individuals are still coming forward to report illnesses that are related to these attacks on 9/11.

An experienced law firm can assist Manhattan mesothelioma victims in attaining the compensation they deserve.

Manhattan, New York Jobsites Where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

  • Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison)
  • Fordham University
  • Gene Fenn Photography
  • Harlem River Houses
  • Headquarters of the United Nations
  • LaGuardia Houses Additions
  • Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA)
  • Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
  • Stephen Wise Towers
  • The Pierre NY
  • Various New York City Public Schools
  • Western Electric Building

Sources
  1. Amos M. Dangers of Asbestos in NYC Apartment. New York Total Damage Restoration. November 2018.

  2. Berg E. Buildings With Asbestos Shunned. The New York Times. April 1988.

  3. Caruso D. 20 Years Later, Fallout from Toxic WTC Dust Cloud Grows. AP News. September 2021.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020. CDC Wonder Online Database.

  5. Lescaze L. N.Y.C. Offices Have Asbestos Problem. The Washington Post. November 1978.

  6. Nordegrén M, Goldstein E, et al. The Environmental Impacts of the World Trade Center Attacks: A Preliminary Assessment. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). February 2002.

  7. NYC Health. Asbestos.

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Linda Molinari, Editor in Chief at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Jennifer Lucarelli
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