The airborne cloud of toxicity that hung over the World Trade Center site after its destruction has had an immense impact on individuals who worked in rescue and recovery efforts, and in the initial demolition efforts. There has been no comprehensive assessment of the medical problems that have resulted from the tragedy and its aftermath, but there is no doubt that there were tons of asbestos contained in the showering rubble and that asbestos exposure was part of the job in the early efforts made at rescue and recovery.
Asbestos Used in Construction of WTC
According to the National Cancer Institute, “Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby.”
Rescue Workers Suffered Respiratory Symptoms
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 describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders.
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. When almost two thirds of those tested have developed respiratory problems, some cases will almost certainly develop into mesothelioma or another asbestos cancer.
Early Development of Asbestosis
While any number of elements in the toxic air emanating from the site may have led to these symptoms there is no reason not to be looking for early signs of asbestosis. A recent study in India of asbestos miners and employees at plants producing asbestos products showed the development of asbestosis occurring as early as five years after the initial exposure to asbestos fibers.
