Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

No Asbestos in Air After NY Blast

Traces of carcinogen found in dirt and debris; not a health hazard, say officials

Posted Jul 19, 2007 2:31 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – No asbestos was found in the air today after a steam pipe explosion that led to one death and injured more than 30 in midtown Manhattan yesterday. The carcinogen has turned up in dirt and debris in and near the area, but officials say damage to long-term health is very unlikely given the brief exposure, reports the New York Times.

“Developing an asbestos-related illness after being exposed for a short time—even at high levels—is very unlikely,” the city Office of Emergency Management said in a statement. Subway service to Grand Central, suspended after the explosion, resumed today, but the streets around the location of the blast, at 41st Street and Lexington Avenue, remain closed.

New York city police officers wear mask while blocking pedestrians from entering Park Ave. above 40th St. Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos in the dust that settled, but city officials Thursday said...
New York city police officers wear mask while blocking pedestrians from entering Park Ave. above 40th St. Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through...   (Associated Press)
New York city police officers wear masks while blocking pedestrians from entering Park Ave. above 40th St., Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos in the dust that settled, but city officials Thursday said...
New York city police officers wear masks while blocking pedestrians from entering Park Ave. above 40th St., Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through...   (Associated Press)
Con Edison employees work at the scene of a steam pipe explosion Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos in the dust that settled, but city officials Thursday said tests indicated the air was...
Con Edison employees work at the scene of a steam pipe explosion Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos...   (Associated Press)
A New York city police officer wears a mask as he stands guard on Lexington Ave. one block from the scene of a steam pipe explosion, Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and debris that erupted Wednesday through a midtown Manhattan street left asbestos...
A New York city police officer wears a mask as he stands guard on Lexington Ave. one block from the scene of a steam pipe explosion, Thursday, July 19, 2007 in New York. A massive geyser of steam and...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

The view from Manhattan

Roundup of coverage, reactions, and safety precautions
Gothamist

"We always knew we were more likely to die at the hands of Con Ed than al-Qaeda anyway"
Gawker

 
New York City • Manhattan • steam • explosion • Grand Central Station • asbestos • carcinogens

More Newser Stories

NYPD Boss' Son Accused of Rape

4 Die in Separate NYC Subway Accidents

'Sh*t New Yorkers Say' Goes Viral

Cops: Subway Fare Beater Was Armed to the Teeth

Elevator Was Serviced Just Before Deadly Accident
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne