On September 11, 2001, New York City’s police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders carried out one of the most heroic missions in U.S. history. They entered into a black cloud of toxins and dust without a thought for themselves, concerned only about the welfare of those that could be saved following the nightmarish terrorist attack.

Unfortunately for many of these first responders, the impact of these attacks continues today in the form of debilitating respiratory illnesses such as mesothelioma. Many of the conditions being diagnosed in the 9/11 first responders can be linked to asbestos that was prevalent in the air on the day of the attacks and for some time afterward. Some studies show that as many as 70 percent of the World Trade Center rescue workers suffer from some type of respiratory ailment.

Currently, a group is fighting to secure government aid for those workers that have been affected. They are proposing legislation in Congress and New York’s City Council that would provide full medical coverage for all World Trade Center attack first responders. The current government aid that is available is confusing and incomplete according to some.

There are also many private organizations such as The 9/11 Police Aid Foundation collecting donations to help support responders that are suffering from 9/11-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. To learn more about government aid, legislation, and health conditions related to the World Trade Center attacks, please visit Families of September 11.

Asbestos, which is a mineral known to cause cancerous diseases, can be found in places not always considered to be a high-level asbestos environment. Low levels of asbestos exposure may also put a person at risk for asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma. And low-level exposure is apparently more prevalent than we may think.

Low-level exposure can occur around many asbestos products. These products were widely used in construction industries, as well as in products used in preventing and fighting fires. You may come into contact with low levels of asbestos around:

• Insulation
• Plumbing
• Fire Resistant Clothing
• Wallboards
• Flooring
• Plasters
• Adhesives
• Roofing materials
• Electrical panels and insulation
• Caulking
• Paint

The list of asbestos products is long, and any of them can emit asbestos into the environment. These low-level exposures can take place in schools, public buildings and even in the home. Additionally, someone who works with asbestos must take extra precaution to protect their family from the substance, because low-levels of asbestos can travel home with them through their clothing, skin, hair and shoes.

Professionals who are exposed to asbestos should consider adopting practices such as showering while still at the workplace, storing extra clothes to wear when leaving work, and washing work clothes at the workplace. Asbestos products are still in use today, particularly in the construction industry. It is wise to become familiar with the many places that these products are used in order to prevent asbestos exposure.

If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos and would like to talk to one of our family advocates, please contact us today or call us at 1-877-273-4498.