LaGuardia Airport Asbestos Exposure & Compensation

LaGuardia Airport, located in Queens, NY, is one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the United States. Following a recent $8 billion redevelopment, the airport looks almost unrecognizable compared to the small four-gate facility that opened in 1939. Asbestos products were widely used during the construction and maintenance of the airport. Asbestos exposure at LaGuardia Airport may have affected workers, passengers, visitors, and other airport personnel.

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This exposure has been linked to cases of mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related diseases. The law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen (ELSM) has represented mesothelioma victims, including those exposed at LaGuardia Airport, in securing compensation.

LaGuardia Airport at a Glance

• LaGuardia Airport began operating commercial passenger flights in 1939 as the New York Municipal Airport and was later renamed in honor of Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia.
• Asbestos-containing materials, including building insulation, fireproofing, and aircraft components were used for heat resistance and durability during the initial construction and later expansions of LaGuardia Airport.
• From 2016 to 2024, LaGuardia Airport underwent an $8 billion redevelopment to modernize terminals and infrastructure, which included asbestos abatement to ensure safety for workers and the public.
• LaGuardia Airport is one of the nation’s major air travel hubs, serving approximately 33.5 million passengers in 2024.
• At least 5 bankruptcy trust funds, established to help asbestos victims, identify LaGuardia Airport as a known asbestos jobsite in New York.

Asbestos Exposure at LaGuardia Airport

For decades, asbestos exposure at LaGuardia Airport has put airport workers, tradesmen, and travelers at risk for mesothelioma and other serious asbestos illnesses.

Asbestos was commonly used in airport construction and airplanes in the early 20th century, and its use increased significantly during periods of new construction, expansion, and renovation — particularly in the late 1930s, early 1960s, and late 2000s. At LaGuardia, asbestos was incorporated into a variety of areas, including:

• Airport infrastructure: walls, ceilings, insulation, and fireproofing materials
• Aircraft components: brakes, gaskets, engine insulation, and heat shields
• Ground equipment: generators, power carts, and portable HVAC units

At the same time, LaGuardia saw a steady rise in passenger traffic: over 2.5 million passengers in 1946, approximately 11.8 million in 1970, and more than 17 million in 1980. This growth meant more employees, contractors, and travelers were present in environments containing asbestos during its peak use.

Much of this asbestos remained in the airport’s older buildings and systems for decades. It was still present during the $8 billion “Whole New LaGuardia” renovation from 2016 to 2024. During the redevelopment, specific safety measures were taken to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure for workers and the public. Despite these precautions, exposure was still possible.

Examples of asbestos exposure at LaGuardia Airport include:

• Aircraft Brake Repairs: A major source of asbestos exposure in the aviation sector came from repairing brake housings. Aircraft brakes contained approximately 16% to 23% asbestos. During maintenance, friction caused asbestos dust to build up on brake components. When disturbed, this dust became airborne, potentially exposing mechanics and ground crew.
• Insulation in Aircraft, Terminals and Hangars: Asbestos-containing insulation for thermal control and soundproofing was heavily used in airplanes, airport terminals, and hangars. Construction and maintenance workers were regularly exposed to asbestos fibers when cutting, installing, or removing these insulation materials.
• Engine Repairs and Mechanical Work: Engines used asbestos-containing gaskets, seals, insulation, heat shields, and adhesives. Repair work often disturbed these components and released asbestos fibers into the air, which put aviation technicians at risk.
• Airport Maintenance Equipment: Support equipment, including power carts, mobile generators, and portable HVAC units, have historically contained asbestos parts. These machines often relied on asbestos-containing components to withstand high heat, vibration, and electrical stress, posing potential health risks to maintenance personnel during repair or refurbishment.

... installed the ductwork and the registers, grills, diffusers in the ceilings connecting to existing duct. ...Yes, some of the ceiling tile, not all of it, was this Lotone tile, asbestos fireproof tile, and carpenters were installing the tiles, cutting it, and I was cutting it with a keyhole saw to install my registers, grills and diffusers. Sheet Metal Worker
Recalling work during a renovation at LaGuardia Airport, 1960s

High-Risk Occupations at LaGuardia Airport

Any of the following occupations at LaGuardia Airport are associated with an increased risk of asbestos exposure, including, but not limited to:

Workers at LaGuardia Airport often carried asbestos fibers home, exposing family members to mesothelioma or lung cancer — a risk known as secondary asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma from secondary exposure, ELSM can review your legal options for compensation.

Asbestos Products Used at LaGuardia Airport

Various asbestos-containing products were used in the original construction of LaGuardia Airport and later during its expansion and renovation projects. Additionally, asbestos materials were used in aircraft engines, other aircraft components, and airport ground support equipment.

Some common asbestos products used include, but are not limited to:

Compensation for LaGuardia Airport Workers With Mesothelioma

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure at LaGuardia Airport, you may have options to seek financial compensation through asbestos lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Compensation can assist with covering medical expenses, replacing lost wages, and offering financial aid to mesothelioma patients and their families.

Asbestos Trust Fund Claims

Numerous companies that provided asbestos products to LaGuardia Airport have gone bankrupt and set up asbestos trust funds. Those diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis might be qualify to submit claims to these asbestos trust funds.

While LaGuardia Airport does not have an asbestos trust fund, various companies that sold products containing asbestos intended for use on aircraft and in the construction of LaGuardia Airport have set up such trust funds.

Bankrupt Asbestos Company	Asbestos Exposure Start Date	Asbestos Exposure End Date
Eagle-Picher Industries
Fibreboard		12/31/1982
National Gypsum Company	1/1/1971	12/31/1981
Owens Corning		12/31/1982
Turner & Newall	1/1/1963	12/31/1982

Asbestos Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawyers at ELSM have extensive experience advocating for LaGuardia Airport employees and their families affected by asbestos-related diseases. The firm focuses on securing the highest possible compensation while minimizing effort required from clients. Certain companies that produced asbestos-containing products remain financially responsible, and a mesothelioma lawsuit can be filed against them.

In most cases, the primary requirement to file a lawsuit is providing a deposition detailing employment at LaGuardia Airport and any other locations where asbestos exposure occurred. In exceptional situations, a jury trial is required to determine compensation. A lawsuit concerning LaGuardia Airport asbestos exposure would most likely be submitted to the New York City Asbestos Litigation (NYCAL) court. It is specifically designated for cases related to diseases caused by asbestos exposure. NYCAL aims to offer prompt compensation to individuals suffering from mesothelioma. ELSM has a track record of success in both trial cases and those that are settled outside of court.

Common Questions About Asbestos Exposure at LaGuardia Airport

Which occupations at LaGuardia Airport faced the highest threat of asbestos exposure?

Aviation Maintenance Technicians, Aviation Electricians, and demolition/construction workers were among those most at risk of asbestos exposure at LaGuardia Airport. They performed repairs and replaced components on aircraft and equipment containing asbestos.

Is it possible that travel passengers and workers could have been exposed to asbestos at LaGuardia Airport throughout its renovations over the years?

Yes, it is possible. Despite abatement measures, anyone nearby during the construction could still be exposed. Although the likelihood of developing mesothelioma from a single exposure is low, asbestos exposure is cumulative; therefore, even brief encounters can add up over time.

Am I going to file a lawsuit against LaGuardia Airport for my asbestos exposure?

Not necessarily. Even if you were exposed to asbestos while working at LaGuardia Airport, you generally do not file a lawsuit against the airport itself. Mesothelioma lawsuits are usually filed against the companies that manufactured or supplied the asbestos-containing products. Experienced asbestos lawyers, like those at ELSM, can review your work history and identify the responsible companies to help you pursue compensation.