Albany, New York, Asbestos Facts You Must Know

When most of us think of asbestos, we think of the threat the substance is to our lungs when we come into contact with it. While this is far and away the most significant threat posed by asbestos, it also can be responsible for a high degree of blight. Blight occurs when buildings that would otherwise be demolished aren’t. In many cases, this is because the buildings contain asbestos and the cost associated with demolition is astronomically high.

This blight can take over streets, then blocks and then even entire neighborhoods. Areas with blight tend to be high in crime and lack the kind of civic pride that keeps them safe for kids. If you feel that you have come into contact with asbestos in the Albany, N.Y., area, contact an Asbestos Lawyer today to see if you are eligible for compensation.

Problems in Schenectady in New York

One of the most striking examples of blight in New York state is in the city of Schenectady. According to an article published in the Daily Gazette on May 5, 2009, “Mount Pleasant now has a new dishonor to match its worsening crime problem and the flight of local businesses: It is one of the top 10 emptiest neighborhoods in the state.”

The reason for such a distinction is stated later in the article: “Making matters worse, the city’s housing stock is so old that nearly every building has asbestos that must be removed before demolition. The process adds thousands to the demolition bill.” Neighborhoods like this one dot the landscape throughout the state. Many cities are looking to the state Legislature in Albany for help in solving this issue. It is unclear if help will be on the way or if communities like this are down for the count.

• If you may need legal help regarding Asbestos or Mesothelioma, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from an Asbestos Lawyer in Albany, NY.

Asbestos & Mesotholioma: A Disasterous Combination in Albany, New York

Along with shuttered communities, asbestos is playing another role in different parts of the state. In Manhattan, the famed Deutsche Bank building gained national attention because it was damaged heavily on September 11, 2001. The building caught fire again recently and burned down due to a careless act of a construction worker. According to a New York Daily News article dated May 12, 2009, “Prompted by the fatal Deutsche Bank building fire, the City Council passed a dozen bills Monday increasing oversight at demolition and asbestos abatement sites.”

The article goes on to say, “The bills also require special permits for high-risk asbestos abatement and prohibit simultaneous asbestos removal and demolition at most sites.” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is hoping the statehouse in Albany will provide the additional help the city needs in reclassifying buildings so accidents like this don’t happen again.

If you have been injured or harmed due to asbestos, or if someone you know has suffered health issues due to asbestos, you can fight back. Talk to a highly trained asbestos lawyer today to see what kind of compensation for which you may be eligible. Do your part to hold guilty parties responsible for their actions.