What exactly was in those dark masses of dust when the World Trade Center towers fell? And what was the impact on nearby humans? Click and find out.
Those living and working near Ground Zero during or after 9/11 may be diagnosed with cancer many years later. Find out more about cancer ‘latency periods.’
The Department of Education announced plans to send letters to 19,000 former students who attended public school in Lower Manhattan on and after September 11, 2001. The letter will inform the former students about free medical care they may be eligible for as survivors of the 9/11 attacks and subsequent ground zero cleanup. A new HBO documentary, In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11, details the lives of 8 such students.
Heroic 9/11 First Responder and NYPD Detective Luis Alvarez gave his final interview to Fox News’ Shepard Smith. Detective Alvarez developed 9/11-related cancer sixteen years after his exposure to the toxic dust and debris that was present at Ground Zero. Alvarez learned that his liver is failing during his 69th round of chemotherapy. All his treatment has since stopped, and he’s been moved to hospice.
There are currently bipartisan bills in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate aimed at restoring the funds and extending the deadlines of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.
H. R. 1327 & S.546 - “Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act”
Frontline series coordinating producer Amy Gaines set out to explore the health effects of 9/11 toxic dust present at Ground Zero on first responders-including her father Scott Gaines who was an NYPD officer at the time of the terrorist attacks. Following Scott’s diagnosis in 2016, Amy wanted to learn all she could about his September 11, 2001 experiences, what led to his illnesses and the connection the two might have. She conducted interviews and worked with The FRONTLINE DISPATCH producers to create a podcast episode on the topic.
Come From Away is a currently running Broadway musical based on the amazing true story of a Canadian town’s response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The show’s focus is on the kindness of strangers, as shown by the residents of Gander, Newfoundland. The townspeople opened their homes and their hearts to stranded passengers whose flights were diverted when U.S. air travel was suspended following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The show serves to give hope for kindness in the face of one of the America’s darkest moments.
Retired NYPD Detective Dennis Murphy has 9/11-related neck, throat and tongue cancer that developed from time spent at the main morgue in Manhattan following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Murphy receives treatment for his cancer at the Queens World Trade Center Clinical Center of Excellence. He also volunteers there making phone calls to get folks signed up with the World Trade Center Health Program.
A New York Daily News article written by Thomas Tracy reports on the need for a new World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) clinic which will be opening soon on William St. in Lower Manhattan. There’s been a rise in WTCHP enrollees in the past several months. The clinic is expected to see approximately 750 patients each month. Many are realizing their health has been affected by exposure to toxins following 9/11 and are seeking help from the programs that are set up to provide them with the care they need.
