The World Trade Center released toxic asbestos fibers into the air when it collapsed during the 9/11 attacks, exposing thousands of people to asbestos. In fact, one study estimates that the 9/11 attacks exposed more than 100,000 people to dangerous asbestos levels. According to another study, about 75% of the people exposed to asbestos on 9/11 developed serious respiratory problems.
9/11 Terrorist Attacks and Asbestos Exposure
The World Trade Center was constructed in the late 1960s. At that time, asbestos containing materials were widely used in building insulation and materials because asbestos fibers are durable and fire resistant. In its lower 40 floors, the World Trade Center contained about 400 tons of asbestos (the upper floors did not contain asbestos because contractors predicted a ban on asbestos use).
On 9/11, the World Trade Center was destroyed, releasing thick clouds of asbestos. After 9/11, asbestos fibers remained airborne for a significant period, subjecting many local residents and clean-up crews to dangerous asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is extremely dangerous. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers become permanently lodged in the body, and can cause severe and fatal diseases, including:
- Mesothelioma (a cancer that affects the lining surrounding the lungs)
- Asbestosis (lung tissue scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Esophageal, stomach, colon, or rectum cancer
Who Was Subjected to Asbestos Exposure on 9/11?
An estimated 110,000 people were subjected to asbestos exposure on 9/11, including:
- 4,000 first responders
- 30,000 local residents
- 80,000 tower workers
9/11 First Responders: The 9/11 first responders include police officers, firefighters, and EMTs (emergency medical technicians). The 9/11 first responders rushed to the World Trade Center to assist injured victims and save people trapped in the building. Most 9/11 first responders were not wearing protective equipment and inhaled large amounts of asbestos. A study revealed that 85% of 9/11 first responders are suffering from respiratory ailments, including what health officials call “The World Trade Center Cough.”? In 2003, Deborah Reeve, a paramedic for the Fire Department and a 9/11 first responder, showed symptoms of severe lung disease and was diagnosed with asbestos-caused mesothelioma in 2004. In 2006, only five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Deborah Reeve became the first 9/11 emergency responder to die from an asbestos related cancer.
Local Residents and Tower Workers: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Lower Manhattan was blanketed by a thick cloud of dust. Thousands of Lower Manhattan residents and workers returned to the area after 9/11, relying on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement that the cloud of dust blanketing Lower Manhattan consisted of ground-up construction materials. Contrary to the EPA’s announcement, however, studies reveal that the air around Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan contained increased asbestos levels after 9/11, placing thousands of residents and workers at risk for developing fatal cancers from the dangerous asbestos exposure.
Injured by Asbestos Exposure from the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks?
If you or a loved one has been injured by asbestos exposure from the 9/11 attacks, please contact our asbestos attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
