Officials Test Levels of Asbestos at WTC Site
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Officials Assess Asbestos Levels at WTC Site
Summary:
Following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, concerns have arisen about asbestos possibly being released into the air.Article:
Since the tragic events of September 11, concerns regarding airborne asbestos at the World Trade Center site have been prevalent. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been conducting extensive tests to measure asbestos and other pollutants in dust and air samples around ground zero.Fortunately, over the two months following the attacks, the majority of thousands of samples tested have remained within federal safety standards. Despite this, several workers at the site have reported respiratory issues such as a persistent cough and sore throat, conditions now referred to as "World Trade Center cough."
While test results suggest low risk to the general public, workers spending prolonged hours in the debris-filled environment may face higher risks. To mitigate this, workers are urged to utilize protective gear as officials continue to closely monitor the site's air quality.
Historically, commercial asbestos insulation has been used since 1879 due to its strong, flexible, and fire-resistant properties. However, the material is hazardous when its fibers, released during manufacturing or installation, become airborne and inhaled. Such exposure can cause severe health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the chest or abdominal lining.
Asbestos-related diseases have a delayed onset, typically appearing 15 to 30 years after initial exposure. Despite a federal ban on most asbestos products in the early 1970s, their installation persisted into the late '70s and early '80s. Workers in fields such as construction, automotive, and shipping were frequently exposed, with fibers potentially transferred home via clothing.
For those diagnosed with illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, financial compensation may be possible through legal action against the manufacturers of the asbestos products. The New York law firm Weitz and Luxenberg, specializing in asbestos cases, offers assistance to navigate this process.
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