In a report released to the public this week, a panel reviewed scientific and medical findings on ground zero and decided there is insufficient evidence to add cancer to the list of trade center-related conditions. This means that those stricken with the life threatening disease cannot get health benefits under the Zadroga Act.

In January 2011, President Obama signed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 (H.R. 847), called the Zadroga Act, into law. If a person has 9/11 related health conditions, they may be eligible for health care under this new law but you must act quickly since enrollment in the health program is limited, and now cancer has been denied feasibility.

A large number of people exposed to the 9/11 toxins have already developed serious and fatal health conditions. If someone assisted in the Ground Zero rescue or cleanup efforts, they too may be suffering from or develop 9/11 related health conditions.

The determination by Dr. John Howard at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health comes in its first review of cancer as a potential trade center-related health effect. Another review is planned for early next year.

9/11 health advocate John Feal commented:

“As we have seen countless of our brethren fall to a form of this horrible disease time and again following 9/11, we know in our hearts, having breathed in those noxious fumes and having spent hour after hour in that undeniably toxic air, that many forms of cancer are due to our exposure at the site.”

The report notes that an absence of published findings documenting a direct causal link between the trade center and cancer does not mean there is no link.

Authors of the bill added:

“This is disappointing news for 9/11 responders and rescuers who tragically have been diagnosed with cancer since the attacks and are suffering day to day and awaiting help. The collapse of the trade center towers released a cloud of poisons, including carcinogens, throughout Lower Manhattan and we fully expect that cancers will be covered under our legislation.”

Congress has appropriated a capped amount of $2.775 billion payable over a period of years for this program. Only $875 million may be spent in the first five years of the program with the remainder being paid out in the sixth year.

The Act specifically states:

“It is important therefore to assure that funds are targeted to the payment of eligible claims and to avoid procedures or guidelines that will dilute those payments. Funds used to process ineligible claims or for unnecessary administrative costs result in fewer funds available to pay intended and deserving claimants. In implementing the program, the intent is to initiate procedures that will permit efficiency without sacrificing fairness, and to seek ways to minimize administrative expenses, thereby maximizing the amount available for distribution to eligible claimants.”

The complete James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 can be found HERE.

For the full 106 page document that outlines the decision to not place cancer under 9/11 health protection, click HERE.

Written by Sy Kraft