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Asbestos Exposure - The Dulski Federal Building, Buffalo, New York

Those who assisted in the construction of The Thaddeus J. Dulski Federal Office Building (The Dulski Building) located on Huron Street in Buffalo, New York were at high risk for exposure to asbestos. In 2009, after the completion of a $60 million dollar renovation project The Dulski Building opened its doors as an upscale multiuse facility that includes a hotel, restaurant, private offices and residential units. Prior to federal regulations placed on asbestos in the late 1970’s, asbestos could be found in high heat temperature materials, including ceiling and floor tiles, pipe covering, fireproofing material and other building materials located throughout the 380,000 square foot Dulski building.

Asbestos-containing fireproofing materials covered nearly every structural beam in the Dulski Building. Fireproof insulation is a mix of asbestos, cement and waste materials from linen mills. This material came packaged in bags, which was then dumped into a machine where it was mixed with water and then sprayed onto the Dulski Building’s steel substructure. Prior to asbestos abatement, the Dulski Building contained roughly 253,500 square feet of asbestos-containing fireproofing. Fire proofers who applied asbestos-containing fireproofing materials are at high risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma.

During the application process of fireproofing, large clouds of dust and fibers were emitted into the air where the material was being applied. Even long after this material was applied, the smallest of vibrations had the potential to dislodge fibers into the air. In addition to fire proofers, iron workers, plumbers and electricians who worked with rebar and conduits on or in the vicinity of fireproofing material, were also put at risk for exposure to asbestos fibers and dust.

Asbestos-containing pipe and tank insulation, transite ceiling panels, window glazing, baseboard mastic and floor tiles were also used in the construction process of the Dulski Building. Inhaling dust and particles from the application and maintenance of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk of developing serious health problems. Even those not who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Many union and non-union laborers who worked on the construction of the Dulski Federal Building were employed by various contractors throughout Western New York. If you or a loved one were once employed in connection with the construction of the Dulski Federal Building and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, we urge you to contact us regarding your legal rights.