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Construction

World Trade Center

World Trade Center

World Trade Center The original World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan is one of the most well-documented cases of asbestos use in commercial construction. Spray-on asbestos fireproofing was applied to structural steel throughout the towers during construction, and the catastrophic collapse on September 11, 2001 released massive quantities of asbestos into the surrounding environment.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
•
30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
New York, NY
Industry
Commercial Construction
Exposure Era
1968–1971
Primary Asbestos Products
Spray-on fireproofing, Floor tiles, Pipe insulation, Fireproof insulation boards, Joint compound
Job Categories at Risk
Construction workers, Maintenance workers, Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC technicians, Demolition workers

History & Asbestos Use

Construction of the Twin Towers began in 1968, with spray-applied asbestos fireproofing used extensively on steel beams in the lower floors of the North Tower before the practice was halted partway through construction. Approximately 400 tons of asbestos were used before the spraying was stopped. Throughout the buildings' operational life, maintenance workers, electricians, and HVAC technicians encountered asbestos in various building materials. The collapse on September 11, 2001 created an unprecedented asbestos exposure event for thousands of first responders, cleanup workers, and residents.

Exposure Details

Asbestos spray-on fireproofing was applied to structural steel in the first 40 floors of the North Tower. Floor tiles, pipe insulation, and joint compounds throughout both towers also contained asbestos. After the September 11 attacks, the pulverized building materials created a toxic dust cloud containing asbestos fibers that blanketed Lower Manhattan, exposing tens of thousands of people.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at World Trade Center had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Construction workers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Demolition workers

Health Effects

Construction workers, building maintenance staff, and especially 9/11 first responders and cleanup workers have experienced mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other respiratory diseases. The World Trade Center Health Program was established to provide medical monitoring and treatment for those exposed. Mesothelioma cases linked to WTC exposure continue to be diagnosed decades after the initial construction and the 2001 collapse.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at World Trade Center may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at World Trade Center?

Workers who were employed at World Trade Center between 1968–1971 may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Exposure Sites

Construction

Chrysler Building

New York, NY
Construction

Empire State Building

New York, NY
Construction

Rockefeller Center

New York, NY

Treatment Centers in New York

If you were exposed to asbestos at World Trade Center and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in New York may be able to help.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System

New York, NY

Cancer Center
View Full Profile
NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center

New York, NY

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much asbestos was in the World Trade Center?

Approximately 400 tons of spray-applied asbestos fireproofing were used in the North Tower before the practice was halted during construction. Additional asbestos was present in floor tiles, pipe insulation, and other building materials throughout both towers.

Who was exposed to asbestos from the World Trade Center?

Construction workers who built the towers, maintenance staff during the buildings' 30-year operation, and most significantly, the tens of thousands of first responders, cleanup workers, and Lower Manhattan residents exposed to toxic dust after the September 11, 2001 collapse.

Is there a compensation program for WTC asbestos exposure?

Yes. The World Trade Center Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment, and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund provides financial compensation to those who became ill from exposure to WTC toxins including asbestos.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at World Trade Center and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

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Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.
Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • World Trade Center Health Program data — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA construction records — accessed 2026-03-09
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