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September 11 casualty toll is still mounting (editorial)

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Michelle Jahn
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« on: September 10, 2014, 01:27:59 am »

September 11 casualty toll is still mounting (editorial)
WTC.JPG


Firefighters make their way through clouds of smoke at the ruins of the World Trade Center on Oct. 11, 2001. Many first responders to Ground Zero are now gravely ill. (AP file photo)
Staten Island Advance Editorial By Staten Island Advance Editorial
on September 09, 2014 at 7:01 AM, updated September 09, 2014 at 7:11 AM

Thursday's 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks should focus not only on those who died at the World Trade Center, but also on the victims who are still dying.

Nearly 2,600 people were killed in the destruction of the Twin Towers, but many more first responders became sick after rushing to Ground Zero and then working in the toxic rubble.

Currently, over 30,000 responders and survivors are sick and receiving critical treatment and medical care through the federal World Trade Center Health Program. Over 60,000 responders to 9/11 are receiving medical monitoring.

"With the 13th anniversary of 9/11 upon us this week, it is clear that while the dust has settled from the tragic attacks, the physical ramifications are still with us," said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). "The brave first responders that saved so many victims are now suffering from illnesses from the airborne toxins at the World Trade Center site, and they should not bear the burden of health costs on their own."

To protect them and other survivors, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was passed in 2010.

Now it's time to reauthorize and extend its critically needed programs: the World Trade Center Health Program, which is due to end in 2015, and the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund, which is due to end in 2016.

Backers want the programs extended for 25 years, through 2041, because the casualty toll keeps on rising. The heroes of 9/11 have been steadily falling sick and dying.

Extending the programs is the right thing to do.

Many are suffering from a host of chronic diseases: asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease and various forms of cancer that have been found to be related to Ground Zero poisons.

Today, more than 800 members of the New York Fire Department and more than 550 New York Police Department personnel are struggling with serious 9/11-related illnesses; not including over 70 firefighters and 60 NYPD officers who have died from those ailments.

"As many of us knew would happen when fighting for passage of the original Zadroga Act, we have now reached the point where more law enforcement officers have died of a 9/11-related illness than fell on September 11, 2001," said Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins. "It is an unfortunate fact of life for those who left their health on 'The Pile' 13 years ago this week, and who struggle each and every day with the effects of their brave service in responding to the single most heinous terrorist attack in our nation's history,"

For example, more than 2,900 responders and survivors have been diagnosed so far with 9/11-related cancers, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies show that 9/11 workers have gotten certain cancers – including prostate, thyroid, leukemia, and multiple myeloma – at a significantly higher rate than the general population.

Without federally funded support under the Zadroga Act, many ill survivors of 9/11 would face severe financial strain because they are no longer able to work and have to deal with the high price of medical care.

Over 20,000 of the responders or survivors have more than one illness linked to the World Trade Center attacks.

 "No group deserves our gratitude and help more than those who went to Ground Zero in the days and weeks following the September 11 attacks," said Mayor de Blasio. "We have a moral obligation to make sure that these heroes and their families get the medical treatment and compensation they deserve."

Remembering the victims who died on Sept. 11, 2001, is not enough. We must not forget the heroes who died thereafter and those who are now gravely ill.


http://www.silive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/09/september_11_casualty_toll_is.html
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