9/11 First Responders — Asbestos Exposure and Cancer
Date Posted: February 22, 2012
According to literature published by the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos was found in significant concentrations in and around the dust and debris resulting from the collapse of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. In fact, in the 10 years prior to the 9/11 tragedy, the fireproofing asbestos used in the Twin Towers’ construction had been receiving increased scrutiny.
The asbestos released on 9/11 set off alarm bells in the health community. Thousands of people breathed the fine dust that blanketed the area surrounding the Twin Towers and emanating outward for several square miles. First responder mesothelioma risks are, therefore, exponentially higher.
The dust that had blanketed the Twin Tower ruins contained significant amounts of powered asbestos and cement mixture that had been sprayed throughout both towers as a fire deterrent. Literally, hundreds of tons of this fireproofing material had been applied during the Twin Towers’ construction.
Breathed-in asbestos fibers can cause the respiratory cancer, mesothelioma. However, it usually takes a decade before mesothelioma symptoms begin to surface. The disease can be in latent form from 10 to even 60 years.
There were high concentrations of asbestos in the air and in the building wreckage. The layers of asbestos dust were continually stirred up and re-introduced into the air time and time again at Ground Zero.
Any first responder to the 9/11 disaster would be prudent in talking to his doctor to see if he evidences any signs of mesothelioma. A doctor will often order an MRI and/or a CT scan for the patient. If he does have mesothelioma, treatment will then be commenced.
Another step that a first responder diagnosed with mesothelioma can take is to contact an attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation. People who have been exposed to asbestos have certain legal writes, and this includes first responders to the 9/11 disaster. More cases are emerging from New York Police Officers and Firemen who were Ground Zero first responders on 9/11.
In an effort to dispel panic over asbestos exposure, various reports came out in 2001, indicating that the air at Ground Zero was safe to breathe. However, upon later examination, this was definitely not the case. The damage had been done. The most important thing that first responders at Ground Zero can do now is to follow up with medical care and legal consultation.