Twenty-five years ago, amid the immediate confusion surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, first responders knew exactly where they needed to be: Shanksville, PA, the Pentagon, and Ground Zero in the heart of New York City.
Thousands of brave first responders, police officers, and firefighters rushed to the burning rubble and began to put our country back together.
Many lost their lives trying to save others, and in the years since the attack, even more have gotten sick due to their exposure to asbestos and other toxins in the air during the cleanup effort.
As of 2026, more first responders and survivors have lost their lives as a result of 9/11-related illnesses than were killed in the attacks themselves.
In response to the growing number of cancer diagnoses and other health conditions linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero, Congress reopened the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) to provide compensation to those affected.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we reflect on the sacrifices of the courageous first responders and remember that, for many, the fight is far from over.
To honor these men and women, we must recall their heroic actions on that tragic day and continue to support them and their families in the years ahead.
Was There Asbestos in the Twin Towers?
Yes. Construction of the Twin Towers began in the 1960s, when asbestos was commonly used in building materials because of its heat-resistant and fireproofing properties.
When the towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, asbestos and other hazardous building materials became part of the massive cloud of dust and debris that spread across Lower Manhattan.
This dust cloud contained many hazardous materials, including asbestos, concrete, and glass fibers. Countless first responders, schoolchildren, and nearby residents breathed in these particles, which have since been linked to serious illnesses.
An estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic substances following the attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We had no masks. We had no gear. We had nothing,” explained Phil Rizzo, retired first responder. “I told the other captain, we may be marching these guys to their death.”
Nearly 55,000 responders and survivors combined have had cancer diagnoses certified with the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program.
Because some cancers linked to the 9/11 debris like mesothelioma can take decades to appear, many individuals who were exposed may experience health issues in the years to come.
Twin Towers Asbestos Risks
Asbestos was among the hazardous materials released when the World Trade Center towers collapsed. More than 1 million tons of dust and debris were released, exposing first responders, cleanup workers, and residents.
The towers contained about 400 tons of asbestos spray-on fireproofing. The coating on one steel beam had as much as 20% chrysotile asbestos, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Asbestos was also found in dust in nearby apartments.
“220 floors of towers came down with various construction materials that had asbestos in them,” explained Dr. Jacqueline Moline at an Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. “There was a lot of asbestos in the community.”
This 9/11 asbestos exposure remains a concern because asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma can take decades to develop. Now, 25 years later, those exposed to World Trade Center asbestos are within the 20-50-year window for a mesothelioma diagnosis.
The World Trade Center Health Program recognizes mesothelioma as a covered 9/11-related cancer and requires a minimum latency period of 11 years for the disease.
World Trade Center Mesothelioma Cases
At least 24 mesothelioma 9/11 diagnoses have been reported to the World Trade Center Health Program, but many more cases could arise in the years to come. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos.
Of those 9/11 mesothelioma victims:
- 11 were World Trade Center responders or volunteers
- 13 were residents, students, or business people in the vicinity
- 17 were diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
- 7 were diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma or an unspecified type of mesothelioma
Deborah Reeve, a paramedic who spent 4 months working at Ground Zero, was one of the first to get mesothelioma after 9/11. She passed away from this cancer in 2006, leaving behind her husband and two children. Her doctor stated 9/11 was her only exposure to asbestos.
Heroes who risked their lives during the 9/11 rescue and cleanup efforts may only now begin to show symptoms of this cancer.
Mesothelioma claims can help first responders with asbestos-related diseases secure much-needed compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Contact Sokolove Law now to learn more about your options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Records Raise Questions About 9/11 Asbestos Warnings
For months, first responders, workers, and Lower Manhattan residents were assured that the air around Ground Zero was safe. However, newly released records suggest officials had evidence of contamination even as those reassurances continued.
New York plans to release more than 170,000 pages of previously undisclosed air quality reports, contamination records, and correspondence related to the aftermath of 9/11.
The documents show that asbestos and other contaminants were detected throughout Lower Manhattan after the attacks — 10 months after the towers fell in some cases, according to The New York Times.
One document identified locations where asbestos in dust exceeded hazardous limits. A November 2001 audit also found increased airborne asbestos at the Fresh Kills landfill, where debris from Ground Zero was taken.
Despite these findings, city and federal officials repeatedly reassured the public that the air was safe enough for people to return to Lower Manhattan.
The records may help provide answers for first responders, workers, residents, and others who later developed asbestos-related illnesses. They may also provide new evidence for those seeking compensation for those illnesses.
“They knew about the air quality, and they essentially did nothing about it. I suspect that all they cared about was getting Wall Street reopened, and they didn’t give a damn about the health of the people down there.”
– Congressman Jerrold Nadler
The Legacy of Luis G. Alvarez, 9/11 Cancer Advocate
In 2019, retired NYPD detective Luis G. Alvarez delivered an emotional testimony at a congressional hearing on a bill to extend funding for the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).
Joined by other 9/11 cancer survivors, Alvarez urged Congress to provide continued support for the first responders falling ill from toxic exposure.
The hearing took place just one day before Alvarez was scheduled for his 69th round of chemotherapy. Despite his condition, he made the trip to Washington to remind lawmakers of their promise to never forget.
"We showed the world that we would never back down from terrorism,” expressed Alvarez. “Now, the 9/11 illnesses have taken many of us, and we are all worried about our children, our spouses, and our families, and what happens if we are not here.”
Alvarez received a standing ovation. Sadly, just days later, he was declared too weak for another round of chemotherapy and passed away less than 3 weeks after his testimony.
His words had a powerful impact. In July 2019, Congress passed the bill with overwhelming support, and the president signed it into law, permanently authorizing funding for the VCF.
As of 2025, the VCF has awarded more than $16.8 Billion to survivors and their families, including nearly $2 Billion in 2025 alone.
To this day, Luis Alvarez’s name stands alongside fellow 9/11 advocates James Zadroga and Ray Pfeifer in the title of the bill.
Events Honoring the 25th 9/11 Anniversary
September 11, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, when nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93.
At the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, family members will gather at the Memorial plaza to read aloud the names of those killed in the attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
The ceremony will include 7 moments of silence marking key moments from that day and honoring those who have died in the years since from 9/11-related illnesses like mesothelioma.
A number of other 9/11 anniversary events and tributes are planned, including:
- Father Mychal Judge Walk of Remembrance: On September 6, participants honored the FDNY chaplain who was killed while ministering to firefighters at the World Trade Center.
- Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance Candlelight Vigil: A September 10 vigil at Coney Island will honor first responders who died on 9/11.
- FDNY Firehouse Open House: Participating firehouses and EMS stations across New York City will welcome visitors on September 10 to meet first responders and learn more about the FDNY's history.
- Firefighters Memorial Ceremony: On September 11, a ceremony at the FDNY Firefighters Memorial will honor the 343 FDNY members who died in the attacks.
- Tribute in Light: The iconic twin beams will illuminate the New York City skyline from dusk to dawn in remembrance of those lost.
These commemorations are an important reminder that the impact of 9/11 did not end in 2001. For many exposed to asbestos in the Twin Towers and other toxic substances at Ground Zero, serious health problems continue to emerge decades later.
Sokolove Law Supports First Responders
Firefighters and first responders face significant dangers in the line of duty, often putting themselves at risk in order to keep us safe. One of those dangers was asbestos at the World Trade Center, which continues to put them at risk.
As an asbestos law firm, Sokolove Law is dedicated to supporting these brave individuals who’ve been exposed to harmful substances while on the job, as well as their families.
Our firm has secured over $10.5 Billion total for clients injured through no fault of their own, including many first responders.
Contact our team now for free. It costs nothing to speak with us and learn more about your options.
