Mesothelioma and 9/11 Asbestos Exposure

The tragedy of 9/11 left first responders and others with a debilitating, fatal disease known as mesothelioma. The fallen towers released clouds of toxic dust that included asbestos, a mineral that causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other illnesses.

If you or a loved one received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

The Dangers at Ground Zero

On September 11, 2001, tragedy struck the United States when terrorists flew two hijacked airplanes into the World Trade Center (WTC), killing over 2,000 people and injuring many more.

In the aftermath, thousands of people and approximately 400 dogs helped search for survivors and clean up the debris and waste after the disaster. The search, rescue, and cleanup efforts consisted of people from various industries and occupations, including:

Cleanup Crews

Cleanup crews worked extremely long hours for many months, trying to clear out the debris of the aftermath of 9/11. Many of the cleanup crews consisted of truck drivers who would load waste and unload it at disposal sites.

Many of the cleanup workers didn’t wear the proper protection, nor did most understand the type of toxins they were being exposed to while cleaning up the site.

First Responders 

Around 4,000 police officers, firefighters, and EMT professionals provided invaluable help during and after the 9/11 tragedy. The main focus of these professionals was to save as many lives as possible. As a result, first responders didn’t necessarily have time to ensure they had the proper protective gear.

After the attacks, firefighters worked tirelessly among toxins permeating the air, trying to extinguish fires. Others had to work in dangerous materials, breathing in asbestos and other toxins.

Local Residents and Workers

Anyone within the vicinity of the 9/11 incident, including workers, children at school, and even residents in nearby areas, risked inhaling asbestos fibers and other toxic materials in the air.

When interviewed after the attacks occurred, numerous residents in the area described the air as a gray and white-colored dust that eventually settled onto their homes.

At the time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) assured people that the air was safe. Yet, when independent companies tested the air quality, the results indicated that the air was extremely dangerous.

In some places, the amount of asbestos in the air was 20 times the standardized threshold.

Others that are at a heightened risk of developing an asbestos-related illness after helping during 9/11 include:

• Engineers
• Carpenters
• Masons
• American Red Cross volunteers
• Truckers
• Steelworkers
• Additional volunteers

Asbestos materials were blown to dust and permeated throughout the area. It not only affected rescue and cleanup workers but also anyone within the vicinity.

Regardless of job title and rescue effort, every person was at risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.

According to The World Trade Center Health Registry, over 400,000 people were exposed to harmful toxins in the aftermath of 9/11. Rescue workers, in particular, are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma and other dangerous diseases, as they were the first people on the scene and the last to leave.

Births After 9/11

Since the 9/11 tragedy, New York has recorded more infants born with low birth weight than usual.

Although it’s still unknown whether 9/11 is the cause of the low birth rates, numerous studies theorize women who inhaled the toxins during 9/11 may have led to having a baby with low birth weight.

Asbestos Exposure and Health Issues After 9/11

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 20 stories worth of asbestos-containing products “pulverized asbestos to ultra-fine particles,” which then spread all across Manhattan.

Asbestos exposure causes several life-threatening illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Many people affected by asbestos exposure during 9/11 may not even know they’ve developed an asbestos-related illness yet.

In many cases, asbestos illnesses can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years before the first symptoms surface, although sometimes the deadly disease presents itself much sooner.

According to a 2015 report published by USA Today, over 1,700 people have already passed away from illnesses connected to the aftermath of 9/11.

Study Says People Are Dying Earlier Than Average

Mesothelioma is one of the many illnesses found during a study performed by The World Trade Center Health. The study also indicated that some people died much sooner than is typical with asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

For example, the National EMS Memorial Service reported that 42-year-old Deborah Reeve lost her battle with mesothelioma in 2004, only three years after being exposed to asbestos while working with a rescue crew.

Experts Say More People Will Develop an Asbestos Disease

Experts predict more people involved in Ground Zero will develop an asbestos-related disease in the future. In turn, advocates for those affected during the 9/11 rescue and cleanup efforts urge lawmakers to extend the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which expired on September 30, 2015.

In April 2019, the Daily Toreador reported that “as of 2018, more than 10,000” people involved in Ground Zero have been diagnosed with cancer and illnesses connected to the incident.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

Remember that you may qualify for significant compensation if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis. Fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you need additional assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us at 800-793-4540.