The World Trade Center was made up of seven buildings in Lower Manhattan. The twin towers were considered the two primary buildings of the World Trade Center complex, referred to as the North and South Tower.
Initial construction of the twin towers included the use of asbestos. Contractors utilized asbestos materials in the lower floors of the North Tower, before the negative impact of asbestos exposure became widely recognized in the early 1970s. In early April 1970, the New York City Department of Air Resources established asbestos spray insulation regulations. Contractors using asbestos insulation in the twin towers failed to comply with these regulations. As a result, the Department ordered contractors to stop all asbestos use in the World Trade Center.
The Impact of Asbestos with the World Trade Center
Mesothelioma has become the latest deadly cancer linked directly to the rescue, recovery and cleanup efforts following the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York City. Mesothelioma is caused primarily by inhaling or ingesting microscopic asbestos fibers, which was part of the toxic air quality that was present during the collapse and burning of the World Trade Center. According to the World Trade Center Registry, 410,000 people were exposed to asbestos and a number of chemicals in the air including cement dust, diesel oils, lead, mercury, and metals. First responders were exposed including; police, firemen, recovery/cleanup workers and volunteers.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a 52-year-old man died Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from mesothelioma. The Pittsburgh CBS TV affiliate reported in 2019 that he was diagnosed with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma. This heroic firefighter went to lower Manhattan to aid in the days after the twin towers collapsed. During his time in NYC at ground zero, he was heavily exposed to the hazardous mineral.
If you were at or near ground zero on September 11, 2001, or in the days following the attacks, you should know the common mesothelioma symptoms. If you are concerned you may have mesothelioma, then you should speak with your primary physician to undergo testing.
If you have mesothelioma related to 9/11 asbestos exposure, then we can help you! Contact the experienced firm of Goldberg Persky White P.C. Attorneys at Law and we would be happy to meet with you virtually. Contact us today!
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