Asbestos in New York City

Because of its silicate makeup, which allows it to be divided into strong thin strands which are heat resistant, asbestos has long been a part of the history of construction, until now.  Used to fireproof buildings, asbestos was mined through surface mining.  The mining and use of asbestos has been linked to many health issues. Although the mining of asbestos has been banned in the United States and it is no longer used in building, it is still prevalent in many older building. In New York City, where we have the largest public housing program in the country, many NYCHA buildings still have asbestos.