Asbestos and Toxic Dust from 9/11—A Public Health Time Bomb?
New York, NY — September 14, 2007 — A chemical cocktail of toxic dust containing carcinogens and asbestos could be a public health time bomb for many Ground Zero Workers. Many did not wear protective gear and breathed in the noxious dust from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. The World Trade Center’s (WTC) collapse pulverized building material, releasing hazardous substances into the air which ultimately settled in Manhattan, and as far away as Brooklyn and even New Jersey. Most alarming is that the dust from the twin tower buildings contained asbestos, a natural fiber found in building materials, insulation and consumer products. Exposure to this fiber can cause severe, debilitating diseases such as deadly mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
The twin towers were built during the years 1968 to 1972, when asbestos was sprayed on beams, floors
and ceilings as fireproofing material. About 100 tons of asbestos were used in the World Trade Center’s
construction, and released into the atmosphere upon its destruction. At the destruction site that has
become known as “the Pile,
” many rescue workers—policemen, firemen, and volunteers—breathed
in hazardous substances while searching through the rubble. Many workers remember being told by the EPA
that the air was safe to breathe, and only half of them wore protective respirators. Since the rescue
effort, Ground Zero Workers are experiencing a multitude of health problems from wheezing, shortness
of breath, sinusitis, asthma, depression, and a persistent cough called the “World Trade Center
” cough.
(CBS
News, September 12, 2007)
According to the National Cancer Institute, “One
study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and
recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site.
The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent
of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms.
” Many are worried
that this is just the beginning, and that even more ominous health problems linked to the dust and
asbestos fibers have yet to develop.
Asbestos Disease Time Line
In general, those who develop asbestos–related diseases will show no signs of illness during a latency period of 10 to 40 years. There is no maximum latency or time when the risk of developing asbestos–related disease disappears because the asbestos fibers that can cause disease remain trapped in the lungs for life. Also, there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos; even minimal levels may cause asbestos disease.
Asbestos Exposure and Your Legal Rights
For over 20 years, the attorneys at Brayton Purcell have been extensively involved in protecting the legal rights of asbestos victims, including injured workers and their families. Many of our clients suffer from asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos–related diseases. We are there for them, providing support and understanding as well as legal advocacy.
If you would like to request more information about how our asbestos attorneys can help you, you may contact us through this web site or by calling 800–361–0315. Also see the list of Brayton Purcell office locations for asbestos lawyers at our main offices in California, Utah, and Oregon.