New York fell victim to a devastating terrorist attack in 2001 in which over 3,000 innocent people died but when the planes crashed into the towers they put more than the occupants at risk. Asbestos was used as a fireproofing agent in much of the construction of the towers before it was banned in the early 1970s.

The buildings were fireproofed throughout their construction but it was by the time builders had completed the 40th floors that asbestos was banned and alternatives were used. Despite the ban there was no rule forcing builders to remove existing material, of which the cost was estimated at more than the value of the buildings themselves.

When the buildings eventually collapsed, much of the debris was pulverised and released into the air as dust which contained many toxic chemicals. The dust remained present for over 5 weeks but asbestos can contaminate any material and there could still be many buildings, walls and furniture that could put residents at risk.

Even before the area was declared safe thousands of people had already been exposed but as a result of the first responders, workers and local residents returning too early the risk of contamination were very high. Studies have revealed that 76% of those who returned to the area before it was ultimately safe have already developed serious respiratory problems.

Around 100,000 people have reportedly been exposed to toxic materials which can cause a variety of lethal diseases such as Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma. But this number does not include those who have visited and left New York since the attacks which could be much higher.

In 2006 a New York Fire Official died of Mesethelioma, Deborah Reeve was declared the first fatality of the 9/11 attacks directly linked to exposure to asbestos but if research has given accurate results she is unlikely to be the last victim of the attacks as experts say many more will suffer in years to come.

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