World Trade Center Statistics

In the United States alone, the number of new mesothelioma cases each year is between 3,000 and 4,000.  These numbers are still rising and are not expected to peak until 2025.  This translates to thousands of Americans each year developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos.  A great number of these victims do not know why they have developed mesothelioma.  Many should consider the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The towers destroyed on September 11th contained large amounts of asbestos which became airborne after the attacks.  Downtown Manhattan was enveloped in an immense cloud of dust and rubble.  There are a number of reports which indicate that those who worked in, lived near, or volunteered at Ground Zero have suffered lung ailments due to the destruction of the buildings.  More than 90% of those involved in rescue efforts have developed a severe cough because of their exposure to asbestos at the site.  Although they may only have trouble breathing at this point, the potential for them to develop a form of asbestos cancer still exists.

About 12,100 firefighters and other related personnel were exposed to asbestos and other dangerous chemicals during the recovery process after the attacks.  Nearly 350 of those workers have developed a cough known as “The World Trade Center Cough.”  Some have even taken up to two months leave from work because of the severity of their condition.  As of one year after the attacks, 52% of those workers have improved partially and remained on leave, light work, or have filed for early retirement.  The other 48% have improved and have returned to their duties.

Experts say that about 500 total claims will be filed for retirement on an injury/disability basis because of “The World Trade Center Cough”.  A door-to-door survey conducted on about half of Lower Manhattan indicated that people are still feeling ill because of the attacks.  75% of victims that were evacuated from their homes, returned with claims of health problems.  66% of residents interviewed experienced nose and throat irritations, about 55% reported eye irritation and infection, and 47% had a persistent cough.

After the attacks, documents were issued to residents in the surrounding areas that indicated how to clean their homes and keep themselves safe from harm.  Unfortunately, only 60% of those in the area claim that they received such a document.  More shockingly, less than half of that 60% say that they took the proper precautions when it came to cleaning their homes and protecting themselves from potential harm.

Most families and residents experienced asthma as a result of the 9/11 attacks.  Of nearly 600 homes surveyed with 2040 residents, more than half of the residents with documented asthma developed it after the attacks occurred.  It was also found that of those cases; more than half were found in children and young adults under the age of 17.  Other than asthma however, the potential for the development of a much more life threatening disease is lingering close by for residents in the area.

World Trade Center Stats

200,000 tons of steel
425,000 cubic yards of concrete
43,600 windows
12,000 miles of electric cables
10048….zip code

Per Tower Stats

110 floors
208 ft. x 208 ft. at the base
500,000 tons weight
1,368 ft. high (North Tower)
1,362 ft. high (South Tower)
198 miles of heating ducts
97 elevators for passengers
6 elevators for freight

More Information on the September 11 Attacks and the World Trade Center Buildings:

Main WTC Page

Asbestos and the World Trade Center

Asbestos Facts and EPA Information

Asbestos Levels and the Government After the Attacks