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Mesothelioma and Asbestos in New York City

Jennifer Lucarelli
Last Updated: 1/14/2026

New York City has a long history of asbestos use. Many older buildings still contain asbestos, putting residents and visitors at risk. One significant exposure event was 9/11, when the Twin Towers’ collapse released asbestos dust. Find treatment and legal options for you or your loved ones below.

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Asbestos use in New York

New York City Mesothelioma Treatment

Patients with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease may receive mesothelioma treatment in New York City. The city offers state-of-the-art hospitals for patients in the area or traveling from another location.

In New York City, numerous cancer centers and doctors have experience treating mesothelioma. These facilities provide a wide range of support to patients and their loved ones. Some cancer centers may also offer counseling and emotional support to patients through support groups.

Cancer Centers for Mesothelioma Serving New York City

Patients in New York City may seek mesothelioma treatment from several cancer centers. These cancer centers offer specialized care to New York City residents and patients traveling from out of town.

For example, Mount Sinai is a nationally renowned medical center located in Manhattan. Several mesothelioma specialists at Mount Sinai have experience treating mesothelioma patients.

The hospital also has a dedicated World Trade Center Health Program (WTC Health Program). The program was established under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. The WTC Health Program provides treatment, mental health services and counseling for those impacted by the 9/11 attacks.

Photo of NYU Langone Medical Center
NYU Langone Medical Center
Perlmutter Cancer Center – Lung Cancer Center
New York, NY 10016
Photo of Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbia University
New York, NY 10032
Photo of Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Albert Einstein Cancer Center
Bronx, NY 10461
Photo of Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Temple Health
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Photo of Temple Lung Center
Temple Lung Center
Temple University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Photo of The Wistar Institute Cancer Center
The Wistar Institute Cancer Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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 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 Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Photo of Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital
Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at Hartford Hospital
Hartford, CT 06106

New York City Mesothelioma Doctors

Malignant mesothelioma treatment requires care from physicians who specialize in the disease. Many notable doctors in New York City are experienced in diagnosing and treating asbestos illnesses. Some are also involved in research, which can help patients access clinical trials.

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. Raja M. Flores
Dr. Raja M. Flores
Chairman of the Department of Thoracic Surgery
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. John D. Allendorf
Dr. John D. Allendorf
Surgical Oncologist
Mineola, NY
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
Photo of Dr. Cherie P. Erkmen
Dr. Cherie P. Erkmen
Thoracic Surgeon & Director, Lung Cancer Screening Program
Philadelphia, PA
Photo of Dr. Michael R. Grey
Dr. Michael R. Grey
Occupational Medicine
Hartford, CT
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. Andrea S. Wolf
Dr. Andrea S. Wolf
Thoracic Surgeon
New York, NY
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. Shahriyour Andaz
Dr. Shahriyour Andaz
Director of Thoracic Oncology
Lynbrook, NY
Photo of Dr. Tracey L. Weigel
Dr. Tracey L. Weigel
Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Valhalla, 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. Carrie A. Redlich
Dr. Carrie A. Redlich
Occupational Medicine & Director, Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program
New Haven, CT
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New York City Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Individuals exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma may be eligible to file a mesothelioma lawsuit or claim. Some individuals may also be eligible to file asbestos trust fund claims.

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. An asbestos law firm can help clients understand their legal options in New York. Many New York City residents and workers with asbestos illnesses have successfully filed a mesothelioma claim.

Finding a Lawyer or Law Firm in New York City

Asbestos victims in New York City should contact a law firm. Attorneys at mesothelioma law firms have experience winning compensations for their clients. Mesothelioma patients in New York City may seek counsel from national or New York–based asbestos law firms.

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®.
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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.
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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 New York City

Asbestos victims and their family members may file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. Each state has requirements and statutes of limitations for when these claims must be filed. A mesothelioma lawyer will provide patients and their family members with information on these requirements.

Statutes of Limitations for New York City
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.

Asbestos victims may file an asbestos lawsuit or claim against negligent companies or organizations responsible for their exposure. A successful lawsuit may result in compensation from an award or settlement. Financial compensation may help patients and their loved ones pay for travel expenses and treatment.

Examples of clients served in the greater New York City area:

Client Profile

Age: 74

Occupations: Army, Laborer

Jobsites Worked at: World Trade Center

Settlement: ~$5,865,049

Client Profile

Age: 65

Occupations: Carpenter/trimmer, Mechanic

Jobsites Worked at: Bergdoff Goodman (1965 – 1975); Cornell Medical Center (1972 – 1979); H M Hughes Co. Inc. (1969 – 1980); L & K G Corporation (1970); New York Hospital (1972 – 1979); New York Telephone (1972 – 1979); Union Carbide (1972 – 1979); Vimas Contracting Corp. (1979 – 1980); W. Skully, G. Lampartar, and Prince Construction (1965 – 1975); William Somerville Inc. (1978)

Settlement: ~$3,900,458

Client Profile

Age: 55

Occupation: Electrician

Jobsites Worked at: Dakota Reality (1970 – 1977); Sage Reality (1976 – 1979); Williams Reality (1977 – 1978)

Settlement: ~$3,563,599

Client Profile

Age: 81

Occupations: Navy, Communications

Jobsites Worked at: 459 East 92nd Flatbush (1950 – 1953); American Friends of the Hebrew University (1962); Paramount Pictures Corporation (1988 – 1995); R.H. Macy & Co. Inc. (1969 – 1974); W. L. Perrin & Son Inc. (1962)

Settlement: ~$2,753,341

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Asbestos Exposure in New York City

There are six types of asbestos, all of which may cause mesothelioma. The two most common types of asbestos used in New York City include chrysotile and amosite asbestos.

  • Chrysotile is commonly used in building materials, such as asbestos cement.
  • Amosite is commonly used in insulation and has been found in steam pipes in New York City.
New York City Mesothelioma Deaths by County 1999 – 2020
County Name Number of Deaths
Bronx County (The Bronx) 74
Kings County (Brooklyn) 173
New York County (Manhattan) 118
Queens County (Queens) 215
Richmond County (Staten Island) 64

Asbestos in the Twin Towers

The Twin Towers were two of many structures in New York City constructed with asbestos. The towers and other parts of the World Trade Center were originally built using asbestos fireproofing spray for insulation along elevator shafts, stairwells and utility rooms.

The attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, has been referred to as the largest environmental disaster ever in New York City by medical and environmental experts.

After the 9/11 attacks, a dust cloud containing thousands of tons of asbestos and other carcinogens was released into the air. The cloud of debris took days to settle. As a result, victims of the attack, first responders and civilians in the area experienced asbestos exposure.

Fires burned at Ground Zero (the area where the Twin Towers collapsed) for five months after the attacks. Heavy rains on September 14 and September 24 helped cleanse the area of debris, much of which washed into New York City sewers. Cleanup of Ground Zero took nine months and was completed on May 30, 2002.

Congress established a fund to compensate victims who were exposed to asbestos from the 9/11 attacks. Since its creation, the fund has paid out more than $13 billion to families so far.

Learn More About Asbestos and the 9/11 Attacks
The Statue of Liberty and Asbestos

The Statue of Liberty is a notable landmark built with asbestos. The mineral was used to prevent corrosion, which proved ineffective. Restoration of the Statue of Liberty finished in 1986. The restoration involved the removal of rust, lead paint and asbestos materials. By 2011, all asbestos was removed from the landmark.

New York City Steam Pipes and Asbestos

Aside from major landmarks in the city, other uses of asbestos have led to harmful exposure. For example, New York City’s steam pipes have been a concern.

A network of steam pipes was built in the 1930s, using asbestos as insulation. The pipes facilitate heating and cooling for thousands of buildings throughout the city. Some pipes have been replaced with asbestos alternatives, but many still pose a risk as they age and require repairs.

In July 2018, a steam pipe burst, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Civilians and responders at the scene were all potentially exposed to the carcinogen.

Other NYC Asbestos Exposure Sites

In the early 1990s, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) surveyed the presence of asbestos throughout the city. The DEP noted 68% of buildings contained asbestos, most of which was in thermal insulation. Included in the survey was notation of the level of surface damage to the asbestos materials. With higher levels of damage, the risk of airborne asbestos and exposure increases.

There have been various other incidents involving asbestos use and removal throughout the city.

  • Many New York City schools were constructed with asbestos. This puts teachers, students, custodial workers and other staff at risk of exposure. In one study of over 600 NYC custodians, 28% (around 186 individuals) demonstrated asbestos-related scarring in their lungs.
  • In 2010, a safety inspector admitted to submitting false clean asbestos and lead test results for more than 200 Manhattan buildings and apartments. The safety inspector did not actually inspect the buildings. Many of the structures were later demolished or renovated.
  • In October 2019, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was found to have been pumping asbestos-contaminated air into Brooklyn’s East New York bus depot for decades. Asbestos cloth lined the vents used to pump air throughout the depot.

Sites with proven asbestos exposure continue to emerge. The most notable exposure sites in New York City are listed below, by borough.

New York Asbestos Work Sites

Some asbestos exposure sites in New York City have been closed down or cleaned up. Although these sites are no longer in operation, individuals exposed decades ago are still at risk of mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take 10 – 50 years to develop, and new cases continue to emerge.

Understanding the dangers of asbestos can help residents and workers in New York City avoid exposure. Those who lived or worked in buildings with known asbestos contamination should tell their doctor about potential exposure risks.

Common Questions About Mesothelioma and Asbestos in New York City

Is asbestos common in New York City?
Yes, asbestos is common in New York City. Many older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, contain asbestos materials. These materials can become hazardous if they are disturbed during renovations, demolitions or natural deterioration, posing health risks.
When was asbestos banned in New York?
Although not banned in the U.S., asbestos use was restricted in New York starting in the 1970s due to federal regulations. The Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 limited its use. In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned chrysotile asbestos nationwide.
Sources
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer Statistics At a Glance.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WONDER: About Underlying Cause of Death, 1999-2020.

  3. Department of Environmental Protection. Chapter 1 of Title 15 of the Rules of the City of New York Rules Governing the Asbestos Control Program.

  4. Herbert R, Moline J, Skloot G, Metzger K, Baron S, Luft B, et al. The World Trade Center disaster and the health of workers: five-year assessment of a unique medical screening program. Environ Health Perspect. 2006 Dec;114(12):1853–8.

  5. Klitzman S, Freudenberg N. Implications of the World Trade Center attack for the public health and health care infrastructures. Am J Public Health. 2003 Mar;93(3):400–6.

  6. Levin SM, Selikoff IJ. Radiological abnormalities and asbestos exposure among custodians of the New York City Board of Education. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991 Dec 31;643:530–9.

  7. Lippmann M, Cohen MD, Chen LC. Health effects of World Trade Center (Wtc) Dust: An unprecedented disaster’s inadequate risk management. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2015 Jul;45(6):492–530.

  8. Lundy P, Barer M. Asbestos-containing materials in New York City buildings. Environ Res. 1992 Jun;58(1):15–24.

  9. New York Daily News. MTA for decades pumped asbestos-filled air into giant Brooklyn bus depot where more than 1,000 people work.

  10. The New York Times. Inspector Says He Faked Data in New York Building Tests.

  11. The New York Times. Two Arrested In Exposure To Asbestos In Brooklyn.

  12. New York University: Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management. The Dynamic Population of Manhattan.

  13. United States Census Bureau. QuickFacts: New York city, New York.

  14. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos Laws and Regulations.

  15. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Federal Facilities.

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Jennifer Lucarelli, Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor at Mesothelioma.com
Written by Jennifer Lucarelli Mesothelioma Lawyer and Legal Advisor
Katy Moncivais, PhD
Reviewed by Katy Moncivais, PhD Medical Editor
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