Asbestos Removed from Manor Road Armory in Staten Island, NY

The DMNA announced that sections of the New York State Armory in Staten Island had been closed after asbestos was found in Armory offices. Exposure to the dangerous mineral is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis.

New Yorkers who have been impacted by asbestos disease can obtain more information about their legal options by completing the form on this page.

In January 2010, the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) announced that part of the Manor Road Armory in Staten Island was closed after asbestos was discovered in the building. The contamination was discovered in offices and work spaces only. The Armory drill shed, weapons storage and supply rooms were not affected by the contamination.

In October 2009, the DMDN first became aware of possible contamination and had air testing performed. While that testing came back negative, subsequent follow-up testing revealed that asbestos fibers were present in offices and work spaces. The decision was then made to close the Armory offices and other sections of the building.

While the asbestos abatement takes place, the Armory staff has been relocated to other facilities in the New York City area. It is expected that the abatement will be complete by August 2010.

Potential Health Risks for Armory Staff
According to a news releases issued by the DMDA, all those who worked at the Armory have undergone testing for possible exposure to the carcinogen (cancer causing substance).

Unfortunately, since the latency period (the time between exposure and when an asbestos disease is diagnosed) is 30-40 or more years long, these soldiers and military staff face a lifelong risk for possible asbestos disease.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they remain in the lungs instead of being expelled by coughing or sneezing. Microscopic asbestos fibers have sharp, jagged edges which cause them to attach to lung tissue, where many decades later, they cause scarring in the lungs.

Eventually, the scarring can cause chronic breathing disorders like asbestosis or emphysema to develop. In more serious instances, the asbestos can trigger the lungs to begin producing abnormal cells which form lung cancer tumors.

How Weitz & Luxenberg Can Help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we may be able to help you to seek justice for your illness and file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Please complete the form on this page for a free and confidential review of your potential asbestos lawsuit or request a free copy of our asbestos sourcebook. A Weitz & Luxenberg representative will contact you as soon as possible.