Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden has been the name of four separate arenas in New York City. Of the four comings of Madison Square Garden, the first two were located at Madison Ave. and 24th St., which is where Madison Square Garden derived its name. While the original Madison Square Garden opened in 1871 for circus-type shows, it wasn"t until Madison Square Garden II opened in 1925 that sport was conducted on the premises. Among the first events hosted at Madison Square Garden were hockey matches between area colleges including Fordham and the City College of New York.
Madison Square Garden IV, which is the arena we know today, was opened in 1968 on the grounds formally occupied by the Pennsylvania Rail Terminal, which had shifted all tracks below ground. Today many college and professional sports franchises call Madison Square Garden their home. It is used primarily by the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, but occasionally by the St. Johns Red Storm out of Jamaica, Queens. Madison Square Garden is also used extensively for concerts and other acts outside of basketball and hockey.
During the many constructions and deconstructions of Madison Square Garden, it is possible that workers may have been exposed to dangerous work conditions. Unfortunately, one of the hazards they confronted was exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used for many construction and insulating purposes until the late 1970"s. It was an extremely versatile fiber that was added to any number of plumbing, electrical, or other construction products. When these products are intact, they are generally regarded as safe. However, when they are damaged, such as those were in Madison Square Garden they are available in local air supplies and able to be inhaled.
Asbestos was banned because there developed a clear connection between those who were exposed and respiratory illness. Among the more serious health consequences caused by asbestos are asbestosis and mesothelioma, a form of cancer. Asbestos fibers are extremely durable, leaving the body unable to break them down when they are introduced into the system. Those worked around older asbestos fixtures or dismantled older fixtures, such as those in Madison Square Garden, are potentially at risk. It is important that those who fall into this risk pool closely observe their respiratory health and see a physician at the first sign of irregularity in breathing function.
