New York, NY – After the deliberations of the World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee concerning the inclusion of cancers in the Zadroga 9-11 Health Bill program were made public earlier today, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand released the following statement:
“This is another important step in the right direction for our first responders,” said Senators Schumer and Gillibrand. “The data studied by the committee, as well as the data that was just released by the City of New York, all clearly back up what we already know anecdotally – our heroes are sick and literally dying from cancers obtained by breathing the toxins at Ground Zero. For too many first responders and community survivors, this program could be the difference between life and death. It is time to provide the care these heroes deserve, and we will not rest until cancer is included on the list of eligible diseases for treatment and compensation by the 9-11 health bill.”
According to the deliberations of the Committee, it is likely that cancers affecting the respiratory system, digestive system, the oral cavity and many others will be added to the list of WTC-related conditions with discussions of others being added later.
The Committee is expected to make their final recommendation by April 2nd. Two more peer-reviewed scientific studies are also expected to be released in the coming months. All of the data is expected to show a higher incidence of cancer in first responders that worked at Ground Zero than other New Yorkers.
To read copies of the Science Advisory Committee member communications, click here.