25 Years On, 9/11 Files Reveal Toxic Air Risks Were Known

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New York: Newly released records show that officials were aware of serious air-quality concerns around Ground Zero in the weeks after the 9/11 attacks, even as the public was reassured that the area was safe.

New York City has released about 170,000 documents related to the attacks, including air-quality reports and internal communications. The records show asbestos was detected in samples around Ground Zero for months after the World Trade Center towers collapsed.

A key October 2001 memo warned that the city could face up to 35,000 legal claims over health advisories that may have encouraged people to return to the area too soon and suffer toxic exposure.

Other records show residents were advised to clean dust and debris with wet mops and rags despite concerns about asbestos, which requires specialist handling.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said asbestos was found “nearly everywhere” it was tested near Ground Zero. The release follows a lawsuit by 9/11 Health Watch after city officials initially said they did not have the records.

The health impact of the toxic dust and smoke has continued for decades, with US health officials saying illnesses linked to the attacks have claimed more lives than the nearly 3,000 people killed on 11 September 2001. Thousands have suffered conditions including cancer and respiratory illnesses.

Pic Credi: AFP