January 26th, 2005

The terrorist attacks in New York on September 11th 2001 caused damage to a number of buildings in addition to destroying the World Trade Center. Part of the falling twin towers caused damage to the Deutsche Bank Building, which consists of forty floors. This building was soon to be dismantled. However, plans for the demolition have been delayed as it has been discovered that there are high levels of asbestos and other pollutants within the building.

Residents were told about the discovery of asbestos by a consultant of the Lower Manhattan Development Corp. at a public meeting earlier this week. The damage caused to the Deutsche Bank Building by the collapse of the twin towers caused a high degree of damage, and the building was due for complete demolition after remaining unused since the atrocity.

The discovery of the asbestos and other contaminants has led to concerns about the safety of the staff that would be working within the building to prepare for demolition. Additional concerns relate to the contamination of the area when the building is actually demolished. Many people have already complained of respiratory problems since the twin towers came down in 2001.

Environmental Protection Agency official, Mary Mears, has tried to alleviate these additional concerns, and stated: There are steps that can be taken to reduce the environmental impacts from taking this building down."