In the aftermath of the catastrophe that took place on September 11, 2001, thousands of workers struggled to locate and save trapped victims, demolish and clear sites of razed buildings, and clean up the enormous amount of debris from the city. The firefighters, police, rescue workers, volunteers and others that gave their time and energy for the good of the city and the nation never suspected that their long term health would be jeopardized by their to help.
Dangerous substances, chemicals and debris around “Ground Zero” caused countless damages to these men and women and continue to wreak havoc years after the perceived risk. Workers suffering have suffered from a variety of health issues ranging from psychological trauma through respiratory diseases and even including mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. These people have been seeking damages from the city of New York for some time, claiming that the safety measure in place to protect them from the dangerous substances present in the debris were inadequate.
A New York judge recently stated that he may soon be approving a settlement of more than $650 million for the workers that cleared the debris and labored in the ruins of the World Trade Center after the incidents of September 11, 2001. The settlement is in response to a lawsuit that was brought against the city of New York by the aforementioned individuals affected by the insufficient enforcement of safe handling procedures during the rescue and cleanup work.
Next week the U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein will hear the testimony of individuals among the first to respond to the collapse of the World Trade Center buildings. Avelino Montalva, an injured medical response worker, will be one of those giving their testimony at the hearing.
“Six months after, I was diagnosed with asthma, PTSD,” says Avelino, “throughout the years upper respiratory and mesothelioma. Everyday I’m suffering. I am on 17 medications. I’m on disability.”
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. The dangerous fibers are often found in various components of buildings constructed during the twentieth century. When such buildings collapse or are demolished, the asbestos fibers can become airborne which can result in inhalation and subsequent contamination. Proper use of safety equipment such as dust masks and respirators can greatly reduce the risk of contamination.
Payments made to individuals if the settlement is reached will vary from thousands to more than one million dollars, according to sources.
