New York Asbestos Exposure: Risks, Known Sites & Regulations
- Legally Reviewed By:
- Darron E. Berquist
- Page Last Updated:
- August 7, 2026
Navigate This Page
- Known Companies, Industries, and Asbestos Exposure Job Sites in New York
- Asbestos Exposure High-Risk Occupations in New York
- Asbestos Exposure in New York City
- Asbestos Exposure in Buffalo, NY
- Local Asbestos Exposure in Rochester, New York
- NY Asbestos Regulations: Testing, Removal, and Disposal
- Legal Help for New York Asbestos Exposure Victims
Asbestos exposure remains a significant health concern in New York due to the widespread use of asbestos-containing materials in construction, manufacturing, and industrial products for much of the 20th century.
According to the CDC mortality data, from 2018 to 2024, 51,943 New Yorkers died from asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. While many cases stem from workplace exposure, events such as the September 11 attacks also contributed to asbestos exposure among some New Yorkers.
Today, asbestos-related illnesses continue to affect residents across the state, particularly in areas with a history of asbestos exposure tied to heavy industrial activity.
Known Companies, Industries, and Asbestos Exposure Job Sites in New York
Numerous companies and facilities throughout New York State have exposed employees and residents to asbestos. Below, we have organized a list of these locations by industry. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of asbestos companies and other affected sites may exist.
Hospitals, Health Facilities, and Pharmaceuticals
- Huntington Hospital
- Montefiore Hospital
- Bellevue Hospital
- Pfizer
Aerospace, Automotive and Machinery
- Bell Aerospace
- General Motors
- Borg Warner
- Grumman Aircraft
- Bendix
- Eaton Corporation
- Kennedy Valve
- Buffalo Forge
Paper, Packaging and Textiles
- International Paper
- Hadley Paper
- Eureka Paper
- Oswego Falls Pulp & Paper
- Victoria Paper Mills
- Mohawk Valley Paper
- Scott Paper
- Albany Felt
Food Industry and Consumer Products
- American Sugar
- Domino Sugar
- Beech-Nut
- Endicott Johnson
Power, Utilities and Energy
- General Electric
- Westinghouse Electric Company
- Indian Point Power Plant
- Consolidated Edison – Arthur Kill
- Central Hudson Electric & Gas
- Niagara Mohawk (now National Grid)
Educational Facilities
- SUNY Albany
- New York University
- Colgate University
- Hamilton College
Public Infrastructure, Transportation, and Venues
- Long Island Railroad
- Metro-North Railroad
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
- Shea Stadium
- New York City Housing Authority
Construction, Engineering and Building Materials
- Armstrong Cork
- Ruberoid
- Kentile
- Diemolding
Metals, Chemicals and Heavy Manufacturing
- Allied Chemical
- American Brass
- Lackawanna Iron & Steel
- Republic Steel
- Bethlehem Steel
- Allegheny Ludlum Steel
- Fulton Steel
- Hooker Chemical
- BASF
- Fibre Corp.
- Auburn Plastics
- Remmington
- Donner Union Coke
- Black & Clawson
Others: Technology and Specialty Materials
- American Optical
- Bausch & Lomb
- Corning Glass Works
- IBM
Asbestos Exposure High-Risk Occupations in New York
Many of the companies and industries identified in New York had workers in occupations historically associated with asbestos exposure through the use of asbestos-containing materials.
- Some of these occupations include:
- Construction and maintenance workers
- Building inspectors
- Plant workers
- Railroad workers
- Electricians
- Welders
- Paper mill workers
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers and school staff
New York State also has specific occupations with increased asbestos exposure risk due to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. These occupations include firefigters and first responders exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure in New York City
Asbestos exposure in New York City was historically linked to major industries, shipyards, and the city’s aging infrastructure.
- The Brooklyn Navy Shipyard built vessels for the Navy until 1966, during a period when asbestos was widely used in ship construction.
- NYC’s garment district, which began in 1919, also exposed textile and apparel workers to asbestos-containing materials.
- Many older buildings throughout New York City continue to contain asbestos-containing materials. A New York City Department of Environmental Protection study found asbestos-containing materials in 68% of NYC buildings, with many materials showing damage that could release asbestos fibers.
9/11: Asbestos from The World Trade Center
The World Trade Center contained more than 1,000 tons of asbestos-containing materials. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and subsequent collapse released asbestos fibers into the air, exposing survivors, first responders, and cleanup workers.
The site burned and smoldered for more than three months, releasing asbestos and other toxic particles into the surrounding environment. Our New York City mesothelioma lawyers are committed to helping those affected with no upfront costs.
Asbestos Exposure in Buffalo, NY
Asbestos exposure in Buffalo, NY was closely tied to the region’s industrial history, particularly steel production, chemical manufacturing, and heavy industry. Companies such as Bethlehem Steel, Republic Steel, Allied Chemical, and General Electric operated facilities where asbestos-containing materials were used in insulation, machinery, boilers, and industrial systems.
Experience from our mesothelioma lawyers serving Buffalo and historical records show that the former Bethlehem Steel Lackawanna property was a major industrial site where workers may have encountered asbestos-containing materials.
Local Asbestos Exposure in Rochester, New York
Rochester’s older buildings, industrial facilities, and public institutions remain important sources of asbestos exposure concerns. Asbestos-containing materials have been identified in locations such as the University of Rochester, Genesee Hospital, Rochester Housing Authority properties, and former industrial sites.
Our Rochester mesothelioma lawyers have reviewed cases involving exposure across many of these types of workplaces, including manufacturing facilities, healthcare settings, construction sites, and shipbuilding operations.
NY Asbestos Regulations: Testing, Removal, and Disposal
Asbestos laws and regulations only allows the following workers to handle asbestos:
- Asbestos handlers
- Asbestos inspectors and air samplers
- Management planners
- Operations and maintenance workers
- Supervisors and contractors
- Project monitors and designers
The New York State Department of Health provides training, which each worker must complete before handling asbestos. Asbestos must be handled and removed in compliance with state regulations to prevent it from becoming airborne.
Although asbestos is no longer used in new construction, New York buildings constructed as recently as 1990 may harbor asbestos. Asbestos in undamaged building components is generally considered safe, so state and federal asbestos regulations don’t require building owners to remove it. In fact, the removal risks are often higher than leaving it.
The New York State Department of Labor requires building owners to obtain asbestos inspections from state-certified inspectors before altering or demolishing building structures. If asbestos is found, they must hire licensed asbestos abatement contractors to remove it before starting the work.
Once asbestos has been removed, it must be properly sealed, packaged, and disposed of in a solid waste landfill. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the transport and disposal of asbestos.
Legal Help for New York Asbestos Exposure Victims
The Lanier Law Firm has dedicated more than 30 years to representing New York individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Our award-winning team has recovered more than $20 billion for clients and brings extensive asbestos litigation trial experience to complex exposure cases.
The Lanier Law Firm’s New York mesothelioma lawyers will travel to your location to provide on-site consultations. We can help you recover compensation with no upfront costs, and you will pay no legal fees unless we win.
Contact us today to get started on your claim and see why clients trust and recommend our mesothelioma law firm.
