A steam pipe explosion in New York City has sparked fears of asbestos contamination — here's why that's concerning

Brendan McDermid/Reuters

• A steam pipe explosion in New York City sent muck, steam, and asphalt into the air.
• Electric company ConEd is also testing for asbestos contamination.
• Asbestos is a building material that can be toxic when inhaled. It is linked to lung cancer.

On Thursday, a steam pipe exploded on 5th Avenue in New York City, spewing muck, steam, and asphalt into the air. The incident also generated fears of asbestos contamination.

"Environmental testing is being conducted to determine whether asbestos or other contaminants are present, but as a precaution anyone in the vicinity of the rupture who was covered in material is advised to bag their clothing and shower," electric company ConEd said in a statement on Twitter.See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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