Survivors demand transparency from NYC on health risks linked to 9/11
New York City: The heroes and victims of 9/11 are still suffering from serious health issues due to the toxic dust from the World Trade Center attacks. They deserve to know what City Hall knew about the dangers back then. It’s time for the city to release any records they have.
For almost 25 years, four mayors have kept these records under wraps. That’s just not right. A resolution is being pushed by City Council Chair Gale Brewer to have the Department of Investigation look into what past administrations knew about the toxins from the attacks.
There’s a hearing set for January 29, and it’s crucial that the truth comes out. Meanwhile, the city’s Law Department is trying to dismiss a request for health documents related to the World Trade Center, claiming the Department of Environmental Protection doesn’t have any. But if they don’t, someone else must.
Requests have also been sent to other departments, but no one has given a clear answer yet. The only progress has been with the DEP, which is now in court over this issue. Other requests are still waiting for a response.
One key document is the Harding memo, written shortly after 9/11. It warned about potential liability claims related to toxic exposure. If that memo exists, it should be in the city’s files. So, what else is being hidden?
There’s no real risk of bankrupting the city over these claims. Anyone who joined the federal compensation fund can’t sue, and Congress has limited the city’s total liability to $350 million.
The truth will eventually come out, even if it takes time. Last month, responders and survivors were let down again when Congress failed to permanently fund the WTC Health Program due to a deal falling through.
The fight for transparency and to understand the risks from Ground Zero continues.
