9/11 toxins: heavy metals

The destruction of the Twin Towers turned the World Trade Center and its surrounding area into a highly toxic zone filled with harmful substances, including the presence of heavy metals.

An estimated 400,000 civilians and disaster relief workers were unintentionally exposed to prolonged exposure to heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Whether exposed to small or large amounts for a short or prolonged period, these toxic heavy metals can damage the body and spark the development of cancers and respiratory problems.

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Health threats due to prolonged exposure to heavy metals

Individuals at or near Ground Zero were exposed to a combination of heavy metals at extremely high concentrations for extended periods. This kind of exposure greatly increases a person’s chances of developing different health conditions.

When heavy metals are inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, it takes a very long time before the body can expel these substances. This way, heavy metals continue to affect and injure various organs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the following metals in the debris after the 9/11 collapse:

  • Aluminum
  • Barium
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Lead
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Titanium

Note that cadmium and lead are known carcinogens. Moreover, based on a paper about diseases and heavy metals, exposure to toxic elements is associated with a heightened risk of developing the following kinds of cancer:

Besides developing cancer, those who suffer from heavy metal exposure may also develop asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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Get legal support for your 9/11 VCF claim for heavy metal exposure

Did you develop severe health conditions linked to heavy metal exposure after 9/11? You may qualify to file a claim with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Our legal team only needs your medical records and documents that prove your presence in the exposure zone. Contact ELG Law today to discuss your case and determine your eligibility for the VCF claim.

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