9/11 Cancer Victims Get Break: About 50
types of cancer have been added to the list of diseases eligible for coverage in a compensation program
for people who became sick after the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001, officials said
Monday.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said it had confirmed a recommendation made
in June to include the cancers, which break up into 14 categories.
"The final rule adds to the list of WTC-related health conditions each of the types of cancer proposed,"
World Trade Center health program administrator John Howard said in a statement.
A $4.3-billion fund is available for 9/11 health victims, but until now cancer sufferers — believed to be
in the many hundreds — have not been able to place claims of their own. The new rule will take effect in
mid-October.
Until now, most of the aid recipients, including local residents and emergency services personnel, have
received compensation for respiratory diseases linked to the toxic dust and fumes from the fallen
towers.
In the ruling, some cancers are excluded, but 14 broad categories, containing dozens of different types,
are included and sufferers would qualify for free treatment and compensation.
Despite huge sympathy and political backing for victims of 9/11, the compensation decision has been held
up by the scarcity of evidence of a direct link between the World Trade Center tragedy and cancer.
AFP
