A report released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on August 21, 2008 revealed that fire was the cause of collapse at the World Trade Center 7 building on September 11, 2001.
The NIST study found that fires in WTC 7 “caused a critical support column to fail, initiating a fire-induced progressive collapse that brought the building down.” Officials reported “uncontrolled fires” throughout the building after the attacks on September 11th.
The WTC 7 building, as well as WTC buildings 1 and 2, which also collapsed, contained dangerous amounts of asbestos in the form of insulation. Thousands of first responders, including firefighters and police, as well as volunteers and those living and working nearby were exposed to asbestos fibers that became airborne as a result of fire damage in the structures. Asbestos was also released from rubble and debris long after the buildings collapsed. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that attacks the lungs and presently does not have a cure.
The NIST report includes 13 recommendations for building designers, owners and engineers in an effort to prevent other buildings from collapsing in a similar manner as the WTC structures. Recommendations include “better thermal insulation” and “improved compartmentation in tenant areas” that would greatly limit the spread of fire.
NIST will hold a briefing on August 26, 2008 at 11 a.m. to address these new findings and answer questions related to building and fire safety.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center acknowledges the latest NIST report related to the tragedy of September 11, 2001 and continues to push for stricter asbestos regulations, as well as increased awareness of the health implications associated with exposure to this toxic material.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awarenss Center is the web's leading resource for information related to occupational asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment methods and more. Please visit www.maacenter.org for further information.
