Revealed documents show that New York authorities knew the air had become toxic after the September 11, 2001 attacks, but continued to tell the population it was safe to breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies had information about the presence of dangerous materials, including asbestos, lead and other contaminants, but chose to downplay the risks publicly.
More than nine thousand people died from diseases related to prolonged exposure to the consequences of the attacks, including cancers, respiratory diseases and other chronic health conditions. This number contrasts with the 2,977 people who died directly on the day of the tragedy, when the planes hit the Twin Towers and they collapsed.
The document revelations raise serious questions about the transparency and actions of the authorities at the time. Residents, workers and first responders who returned to their homes and workplaces in the ground zero area trusted the assurances they were given, ending up exposed to toxic substances for months.
The article suggests that the authorities prioritized economic recovery and the stability of the city over public health, in a decision that would have deadly consequences for thousands of people who believed it was safe to return to normalcy.
