In the case of first responders to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, a group of more than 11,000 firefighters, policemen, cleanup workers and other rescuers filed a lawsuit against the city for physical illness.

Asbestos materials were known to be used in the construction of the World Trade Center buildings. As the buildings were enflamed and collapsed, asbestos particles entered the air. First responders, victims, local residents and workers all became exposed to the toxic material. All the police, firefighters and cleanup workers who assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts for the days and weeks after the attack were among the many who now have demonstrated health illnesses.

The group, which initially filed a claim in 2003, finally reached a settlement in 2010 that provides them with as much as $657 million in compensation, split among the workers based on each individual’s severity of illness.

The health issues of firefighters resulting from asbestos exposure may not have been noticed immediately because of the delayed onset of symptoms often associated with some respiratory illnesses. In some cases, a proper diagnosis may not be possible for decades after exposure. Mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma, like other asbestos related diseases, can take 20 to 50 years to be noticed before someone is sick enough to be diagnosed. Based on degree of asbestos exposure a firefighter receives, their health prognosis may differ.

Constant monitoring and regular visits to specialists and mesothelioma experts are highly recommended for individuals who may have participated in any action where asbestos may have been present. Multiple groups, organizations and foundations have been created for firefighters and other rescue workers who have formed illnesses.