Environmental Investigations

Update on the Steam Pipe Explosion for Residents, Occupants and Businesses in Midtown Manhattan: Archive 7/10/07

• What happened?
• What is asbestos?
• What are the health risks from this incident?
• What areas were affected by this incident?
• What tests were conducted for asbestos?
• What precautions should I take if I was exposed to debris from this incident?
• What if there is debris inside my workplace or home?
• Should I keep my windows closed?
• What is being done to clean up the site?
• What should business owners in the affected area do?
• What if I am feeling anxious or stressed?
• What is the Department of Health doing to respond to this incident?
• How can I get updates on this incident?

What happened?

A large Con-Edison underground steam pipe ruptured around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2007, on Lexington Avenue and 41st Street in midtown Manhattan. Concrete, asphalt, mud, and some asbestos-containing material covering the steam pipe were released.

back to top

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that was commonly used as steam pipe insulation because of its heat-resistant properties. When left intact, asbestos poses little or no risk of exposure. But when disturbed, it can get into the air and be inhaled. Breathing in asbestos fibers over many years may result in serious diseases, such as lung cancer, digestive tract cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer in the lining of the lungs or abdomen), and/or asbestosis (lung scarring).

back to top

What are the health risks from this incident?

Developing an asbestos-related illness after being exposed for a short time – even at high levels – is very unlikely. The brief exposures that people may have experienced after last night’s steam pipe break are not likely to cause long-term physical health consequences.

Exposure to mud, dust and steam from the explosion may contribute to breathing difficulties in people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. If you are experiencing any symptoms, you should consult your doctor.

back to top

What areas were affected by this incident?

The Office of Emergency Management created a “frozen zone,” which will be closed to workers and residents during clean-up. This zone surrounds the crater and the scattered debris left by the explosion. The frozen zone is comprised of the area between 40th Street and 43rd Street and between Vanderbilt Avenue and Third Avenue. The boundaries may change as the clean-up continues.

back to top

What tests were conducted for asbestos?

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has tested the air for asbestos, and tested debris on the streets around the area. None of these air sample have tested positive for asbestos. Low levels of asbestos were found in some samples of debris in the affected area. Tests did not reveal asbestos in most samples.

back to top

What precautions should I take if I was exposed to debris from this incident?

People who were exposed to debris from the steam-pipe explosion should remove all clothing. Heavily soiled clothing should be sealed in a plastic bag and brought to the Con Edison customer service van parked at the corner of Madison Avenue and 42nd Street. The van is staffed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reimbursement for the items can be discussed with the Con Edison representative. Other clothing should be washed separately. The soles of shoes can be rinsed or wiped with a wet rag. If small amounts of mud were tracked into your home or work area, use a wet mop, wet rags or sponges to clean it up. All mops, rags or sponges used to clean should be put into a plastic bag while still wet, and thrown away.

back to top

What if there is debris inside my workplace or home?

If you know of debris from the steam pipe explosion, you should notify your landlord, building owner, or building manager. Debris should not be disturbed. New York City is working with all building owners in the affected areas to ensure proper inspection for interior or exterior asbestos contamination of the building.

back to top

Should I keep my windows closed?

People who live or work within the affected area should keep windows closed until cleanup is completed. Window air conditioners should be set to re-circulate interior air, or set to exhaust.

back to top

What is being done to clean up the site?

Trained asbestos workers are collecting and removing debris, using approved methods to prevent the release of asbestos into the air. Work methods include wet cleaning and the use of HEPA vacuums to contain dust. Before workers and equipment can leave the site, they are cleaned to ensure that no contamination leaves the site.

Officials are on-site to ensure that workers take all safety precautions, including respirators and special suits.

back to top

What should business owners in the affected area do?

• Restaurants and other Food Service Establishments

Restaurants in the affected area should remain closed until further notice from the Health Department. If you operate a food service establishment, you should contact the owner of your building and request that a licensed asbestos inspection contractor inspect your establishment for asbestos-containing debris. If asbestos is found, a licensed abatement firm will need to be hired.

• Other Businesses Operators

Assess your work area for debris. Report debris to your building owner or manager. Small amounts of mud that were tracked in can be cleaned as described above.

back to top

What if I am feeling anxious or stressed?

Emotional reactions to traumatic events are normal. Stress-related symptoms, such as feeling angry, having headaches or being suspicious and hyper-alert may occur for a short time after an event. However, if you continue to experience these stress-related symptoms for an extended period of time consider seeking professional help. To find help contact 1-800 LifeNet (1-800-543 3638) a 24/7 crisis hot-line.

back to top

What is the Department of Health doing to respond to this incident?

• We will continue to provide updates as new information is made available.
• The Health Department and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection are overseeing onsite response activities and will continue to evaluate test results and potential health risks
• The Health Department is working with all building owners in the affected areas to ensure proper inspection of nearby buildings. Food establishments in the affected area will remain closed until the building is cleared for reoccupation.

back to top

How can I get updates on this incident?

Check the Department’s website at http://nyc.gov/health for periodic updates.

back to top