Lower Manhattan- Air quality concerns at the manhole where remains were found last week briefly halted the search for more remains at the World Trade Center site. Investigators sifting through the rubble feared that their work may have been stirring up contaminants such as asbestos and pulverized glass that had been in the air for months following the attacks.
As previously noted in this blog, the toxic air around the trade center was full of mercury, pulverized concrete, and asbestos from fire proofing on the lower floors of both towers. The air has since cleared but the government continues to play the blame game as to who will compensate and cover rescuers, employees, and residents of lower Manhattan.
Tests conducted by the EPA Tuesday cleared the site where another 36 remains have been found. The remains recovered ranged in size from 1 to 6 inches and bring the total number of remains recovered to over 150.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg also admitted that the initial recovery efforts may have been rushed while speaking at a press conference.
Were we under time pressure? Absolutely, said Bloomberg who replaced Mayor Rudy Guiliani. I don't know any family member that didn't want to find out whatever they could about the loved one that they lost, and we did it as fast as we could, consistent with safety and completeness.
His statement was in response to John McArdle, the retired police lieutenant who oversaw the recovery of remains after the terror attacks, says he wanted to take more time at the site but was over-ruled.
Work will resume Wednesday.
-William Gallahue
If you or a friend were in lower Manhattan at the time of the attacks, check here for Mesothelioma Symptoms. Mesothelioma is a deadly health condition related to asbestos exposure.
