Asbestos And Twin Tower Article
9/11, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma.
On September 11th, 2001, The World Trade Centre was destroyed, and in the process a vast amount of toxins was released into the atmosphere. The toxic dust formed a blanket over Manhattan and in it were substances such as glass, fibreglass and asbestos.
The construction of the World Trade Centre began in late 1960s and at that time the link between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma was not clear and there were no laws restricting asbestos use. It is estimated that about 400 tons of asbestos fibre were in the Twin Tower when it collapsed.
The greatest concern is the uncertainty about the effect of asbestos exposure following the collapse. The Environmental Protection Agency insists that the level of asbestos in the World Trade Centre was low and it was generally agreed that the risk of people developing mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease was low. Unfortunately there has already been death from asbestos related disease. It is estimated that over 110,000 people suffered significant asbestos exposure and these included Twin Tower workers, local residents and emergency first responders.
Deborah Reeve was an emergency first responder and was the first to die from asbestos related disease. She was a paramedic and died from mesothelioma. This surprised experts because as a rule mesothelioma is slow to develop following asbestos exposure. It is estimated that mesothelioma develops between 20 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. Her disease developed after only three years. Doctors suggested that her asbestos exposure must have been excessive for her to develop it so quickly. Her symptoms started in 2003. She was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004 and died in March 2005. There was no doubt that her mesothelioma was directly related to asbestos exposure during and after the World Trade Centre collapsed.
Doctors recommended that everyone exposed to the toxic dust should have a chest X-ray and lung function tests. Anyone with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains or coughing should be investigated and have regular check ups.
A study result showed that about 70% of recovery and rescue workers who worked during and on the aftermath of the World Trade Centre collapse have one or other form of respiratory problem.
A recent study showed that five years later many individuals who complained of respiratory problems still continue to have the same ailment. These individuals are having continued screening.
"In the six years since the attacks," Nadler said, "we have accumulated a mountain of evidence that tens of thousands of those exposed are suffering from chronic respiratory disease and, increasingly, a variety of rare cancers."
