New York Declassifies Documents on Toxic Air After September 11

New York City authorities have released documents proving that the city administration knew about toxic air in the Ground Zero area following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, but failed to inform residents and first responders. This was announced by Mayor Mamdani, who added that the documents also reveal how officials attempted to limit the city's legal liability.

According to the mayor, the papers show that asbestos was found "virtually everywhere" around the site where the World Trade Center towers collapsed in Manhattan, and where air quality measurements were later taken.

Illnesses Have Claimed More Lives Than the Attack Itself

The mayor of New York pointed out that in the 25 years since the tragedy, more people have died from illnesses linked to the events of September 11 than were killed on the day of the attack itself. This fact, according to the BBC, is confirmed by public health officials as well: the dust and smoke from the collapse of the Twin Towers have ultimately claimed more lives than the attack itself.

According to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, at least 140,000 people from all 50 US states have registered with the World Trade Center Health Program. Of these, 49,000 have confirmed cancer diagnoses linked to the aftermath of the attacks. The program provides free medical care to people suffering from illnesses caused by these events. Mamdani noted that many more people are eligible for assistance than are currently registered — including those who lived near the Twin Towers but were never informed of this option, as well as those who now live outside New York.

What the Declassified Papers Reveal

As a reminder, on September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda militants hijacked passenger planes and flew them into the World Trade Center towers in Manhattan and the Pentagon building near Washington. A fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers. Nearly 3,000 people died that day.

"The documents show that the city knew about the toxic air around Ground Zero, exactly when it became aware of this, and what steps were taken to limit the city's legal liability," the mayor said.

Among the published papers are reports on air quality measurements taken at the site of the tragedy, as well as key internal documents, including a memo sent to then-Deputy Mayor Robert Harding. It indicates that city officials were preparing in advance for thousands of potential lawsuits from people harmed by the toxic air who had not received adequate protective equipment during rescue operations. The document also outlines possible ways to reduce the city's legal liability.

The release of these materials brought an end to a legal dispute: the organization 9/11 Health Watch had sued the city, demanding the documents be disclosed. According to the investigation, city officials discovered 68 boxes containing these papers only last year — previously, authorities had claimed no such documents existed.

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Source: ekolist.cz