Asbestos is one of several different mineral fibers that are found in both rock and soil. Because it has a naturally occurring resistance to heat and has a high fiber strength, asbestos has been widely used as a component of building construction and has been used as insulation and a fire retardant. Most asbestos exposure comes from environments where the material has been used in construction and is inhaled once the material is disturbed. One such a way that can cause widespread asbestos exposure is demolition work, and ground zero for the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers was inundated with asbestos, affecting first responders.
Asbestos.com reports that the U.S. Senate has approved extending the September 11th fund for first responders affected by asbestos exposure through 2092.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted to extend the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund through 2092 by a vote of 97-2.
The reauthorization of the fund means that families and victims of all those affected on September 11, 2001, can file claims through 2090 and claims will be paid through 2092.
This extension will help those first responders who were exposed to asbestos and may develop mesothelioma in the coming years. There were more than 400 tons of the carcinogenic material covering the 16-acre disaster zone after the towers fell.
The World Trade Center Registry estimates that at least 410,000 people may have been exposed to asbestos and other hazardous materials during and following the terrorist attacks.
The bill will not only cover those that have been directly affected and physically injured as a result of the attacks but now it will also extend to family members. This will include thousands of firefighters, police officers, and recovery and rescue workers. Also included will be residents who lived near the attacks or along debris removal routes.
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