How New York’s Historic Buildings Hide Asbestos and Lead Hazards

New York City is known for its stunning historic architecture, from the famous brownstones lining the streets of Brooklyn to the pre-war buildings of Manhattan. Many of these buildings are not only homes and offices but also a part of the city’s history and culture. What most owners and residents don’t know about these buildings is that there is a poisonous peril lurking beneath the surface that they are not aware of—asbestos and lead.

The Hidden Threat of Asbestos

Many of New York’s historic buildings were built in an era when asbestos was frequently used, valued for its fire-resistant qualities and common as an ingredient in insulation, flooring, and part of roofing materials. The dangers of asbestos exposure, however, were little understood at the time, and it was not until the later part of the 20th century that its health-related problems came to light.

When inhaled, asbestos fibers cause asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma. The actual danger of asbestos lies in its tendency to hide behind walls, ceilings, and floors. It only becomes a problem during a renovation or repair when the fibers are released into the air and inhaled by unsuspecting building residents or workers.

The Silent Danger of Lead

Lead is one of many hidden toxins found in many of New York’s older buildings. Before its dangers became more widely understood, lead was a common ingredient in paints, plumbing materials, and other building materials. When lead-based paint deteriorates, it creates lead dust that can be inhaled or ingested, posing a serious problem for children and pregnant women.

For instance, lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, learning problems and a range of other health issues. Like asbestos, lead’s nasty little surprise only shows up when the paint starts to flake or crack, often during periods of disrepair or renovation. 

Hence, before any renovation project, enlist an Asbestos & Lead Removal professional to inspect the premises. 

Identifying and Mitigating Risks

Given the potential hazards, owners and residents of historic structures need to proactively identify and mitigate these hazards. Here are a few steps to consider:

Conduct a Professional Assessment: Hire certified professionals to assess your home for hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead. Trained professionals can easily and safely identify these materials without disturbing them.

Encapsulation and Abatement: If any hazardous materials are found, consult with an expert on how to proceed. This could mean sealing the materials or removing them entirely through abatement processes.

Stay Informed and Vigilant: When renovating or making significant repairs, ensure all contractors know potential hazards and implement safety procedures to manage and mitigate risks.

Preserving History, Protecting Health

In New York City, historic buildings are landmarks to be celebrated but also stewarded so that they do not harm the occupants or the surrounding community. Acknowledging and mitigating the invisible hazards of asbestos and lead can help preserve these beloved architectural monuments and protect public health.

Conclusion

Worried about toxic conditions in your building? The New York Restoration Company is here to help. Visit nycrestoration.com/ to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and restore your historic building to a safe and healthy place to live and work.