It took months to remove millions of tons of contaminated debris after September 11, 2001. Debris removal workers handled hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, benzene, mercury, and dioxins. During the cleanup, many workers operated without appropriate protection, unaware that they were absorbing toxins that would cause illnesses decades later.
Debris removal workers faced particular dangers during cleanup operations:
- Breathing in toxic dust particles and fine particulates during debris clearing
- Contact with contaminated rubble and building materials
- Working directly on the debris pile with high dust concentrations
- Inhaling asbestos fibers, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds
WTC responders exposed to severe levels of dust and debris were 2.9 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared with those who encountered minimal exposure. Elevated incidences of prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, hematologic and lymphoid cancers, as well as soft tissue cancers, have been reported among debris removal workers.
Debris removal workers are more likely to develop lung cancer, mesothelioma, thyroid cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers. The risk of leukemia among recovery workers has been reported to be higher. Diseases like mesothelioma can cause health effects decades after exposure due to long latency periods.
It is common to suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and reactive airways dysfunction syndrome. Workers who worked at the WTC developed WTC cough syndrome, a persistent coughing and wheezing disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are prevalent due to the traumatic environment and hazardous conditions.
Relevant job titles
- Sanitation worker
- Construction worker
- Cleanup worker
- Landfill worker
