Health care request for 9/11 rescue workers -- MesoLink.org -- 02-09-05

The tragedy of September 11th 2001, where terrorist attacks brought the World Trade Center’s twin towers crashing to the ground, is still having an effect on New Yorkers today. Many of the people that live in the area and those that worked on the rescue on 9/11 have been exposed to reduced air quality and contamination as a result of the debris and pollutants that filled the air at the time of the attacks. Over three years later, many are still suffering health effects, such as respiratory problems, and congress members are now adamant that many of these people should be give protective health care.

Rep Carolyn Maloney stated that thousands were still in need of attention and assistance due to the health problems caused by the pollution created by the terrorist attacks. She recently attended a press conference, along with many people that lived and worked near the contaminated area. Maloney stated: “The president told us that he would never forget. Even with thousands still sick, the federal response is still woefully inadequate. Tonight, they will put a face to the numerous health effects of 9/11.”

Lawmakers are being urged by some members of congress to provide health cover for those suffering respiratory illness and other adverse health effects as a result of the 9/11 disaster. Dust, smoke, toxic chemicals, and asbestos are thought to be a handful of the damaging pollutants to which workers and residents around the Ground Zero site were exposed following the terrorist attacks.