It’s long been known that the tragedy of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center was not limited to the day’s deaths: since then, thousands have died of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that have long latency periods. Now, New York City’s administration has released documents showing that city and federal officials knew Ground Zero’s air quality was dangerous, even as they assured residents and workers the area was safe.
Mesothelioma Danger Downplayed by City and Federal Leaders
For years, health officials have tracked lung cancer, mesothelioma, lymphoma, and leukemia deaths from Sept. 11-related illnesses, which now account for more deaths than the attacks themselves. While these demonstrate the presence of contaminants in the air near Ground Zero, documents stored for over two decades in dozens of city office boxes in a city office, reveal that the presence of asbestos fibers in the area surrounding the disaster site was known in the days immediately after the attacks and suppressed by the city’s then administration.
According to the documents, asbestos contamination was detected as far as half a mile from the site nearly a year after the attacks. The fibers linked to mesothelioma were documented throughout Lower Manhattan buildings, but then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and his successor, Michael Bloomberg, publicly insisted air quality met acceptable limits. EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman also reassured Americans the air was safe, though she has since apologized for her statements.
Mesothelioma Victims May Benefit from Document Release
Mesothelioma patients and families pursuing federal victim compensation claims could see tangible benefits from the newly public records, which strengthen documented links between government reassurances and resulting toxic exposure. The release reflects a victory for the advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch. It may expose the city to new or amended lawsuits, as Executive Director Ben Chevat noted the documents confirm officials knew of chemical dangers while publicly calling the air “safe and acceptable.”
Both mesothelioma advocates and city officials see the release of the documents as overdue, and hope that it will bring greater accountability for victims. Mayor Mamdani, timing the disclosure to the 25th anniversary of the attacks, stated that New Yorkers “were told they were safe to breathe in toxic air.” The administration plans to review and release additional documents over the coming year, potentially uncovering further evidence relevant to mesothelioma and asbestos-related claims tied to the World Trade Center disaster.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
