Pan Am Building
The Pan Am Building, now known as the MetLife Building is a skyscraper located in downtown Manhattan at 200 Park Avenue. It represents an integral aspect of the New York skyline and is recognized as one of the 50 tallest buildings in the United States. The building opened in 1963 as the global headquarters for Pan American Airways. The famous Pan Am log appeared on both the North and South facades of the building prior to its sale to MetLife in 1981, at which time the logos were replaced by that of MetLife. One of the buildings more interesting services offered was a helicopter flight between the building's helipad and John F. Kennedy International Airport, a six minute flight utilized by wealthy New Yorkers prior to the service being discontinued in 1968 following a tragic flight accident.
MetLife sold the building in 2005 to a joint venture headlined by Tishman Speyer Properties for a record $1.71 billion, the highest recorded price ever paid for a privately owned office property. Among the other buyers were the New York City Employees' Retirement System, and the New York City Teachers' Retirement System. The building is unique in that it sits in an irregular angle with the New York City street grid, leaving it completely exposed to nearly all of Manhattan. It is also commonly regarded among New Yorkers as the most hated skyscraper in the city, and the one that a majority of residents would like to see demolished.
Unfortunately, as the building is somewhat dated it is also particularly prone to hazardous construction materials. One of the more common materials used in the Pan Am building was asbestos. Asbestos was used frequently for the insulation of piping, electric, and other construction materials. Because it was used for so many different purposes, its utilization was common and widespread throughout buildings such as the Pan Am Building in Manhattan.
Use of asbestos was common for the above purposes up until the late 1970's, when it was banned because of a clear connection between respiratory complications, including cancer and asbestos exposure. Those who worked with or near the building's core construction materials are at risk of harmful exposures to asbestos. At particular risk are those who came in contact with insulated piping or wires, as well as different types of building insulation. It is important that those who fall into these categories of workers closely monitor their health to ensure that they do not develop adverse respiratory symptoms.
