USA: Asbestos is found in Manhattan explosion debris, but not in the air

Debris from an explosion of an ageing steam pipe in midtown Manhattan contained asbestos, New York authorities said on Thursday (July 19), but no airborne samples of the dangerous mineral fibre were detected. Six square blocks remained cordoned off around the site of the blast that shook buildings at about 6 p.m. EST (2200GMT) on Wednesday (July 18), creating a towering geyser of debris that sent brownish water and steam gushing at least 120 feet (36 metres) high. Officials said it could have been caused by cold water getting into the pipe. One person died of cardiac arrest and about 20 others were injured, some seriously. New Yorkers were having a difficult time getting to work in the area on Thursday morning, with many offices in the area closed and police refusing to let anyone into the vicinity. "You walk on eggshells. It's not a good feeling. It's not a good feeling at all. You could be walking one minute, and before you know it the floor underneath of you gives way," said Noel Roman, who works at a hotel in the area. "It makes you think what else could happen to cause this kind of thing in New York. If the pipes are as old as they say they are, all the pipes are as old as they say they are, so it's frightening," said Ester Davis. The explosion left a crater about 20 feet (6 metres) wide on Lexington Avenue at 41st Street. The street and buildings around the site remained caked in mud and debris on Thursday and a red tow truck was still in the crater.

ITN Source | July 20, 2007

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