Study shows rise of cancer in 9/11 firefighters



(CBS News)

NEW YORK - Right after the Twin Towers fell, fireman Ray Pfeifer arrived with Engine 40. Pfeifer tells CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook he joined the search for his fallen buddies.

"What we saw down there no human should ever have to see," he said.

He worked in a choking dust cloud - a brew of pulverized cement and known carcinogens such as asbestos, benzene, pcbs, and dioxin.

Complete Coverage: 9/11 anniversary

"We're in toxic soup," Pfeifer said. "Who knows what you were breathing in because it was so thick?"

Pfeifer worked on the pile at ground zero for seven months. Nine years later, "The doctor said to me, 'Ray, it's stage 4 cancer.'"

The diagnosis was kidney cancer that had spread to his bones. Doctors removed part of his leg, and hip and a kidney. He's not the only first responder who became ill.

"There are a lot of guys who are sick on this job," Pfeifer said. "A lot of guys, a lot of the guys got cancer."

Read the Lancet's report

The Lancet Medical Journal report is the first comprehensive cancer study of New York City Firefighters after 9/11. This federally funded study shows firefighters working at the site had ten percent more cancers than the general public and 19 percent more cancers than firemen not involved. In all, there were 263 cancers among almost nine thousand exposed firefighters...[Full Article]

FBI Checks 9/11 Responders Against Terrorist Watch List

FBI to investigate 9/11 responders for terrorism

Russia Today



A provision in a new draft of the 9/11 healthcare bill will force the FBI to investigate tens of thousands of cops, firefighters, construction workers and others for ties to terrorism by comparing names to those on the Terrorism Watch List.

Survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attack who risked their lives to help others and today face debilitating health problems are not being accused of terrorism themselves.

The new bill would require anyone interested in receiving medical care under the new law be screened. Those who refuse will not be allowed to receive care...[Full Article]

US deems 9/11 responders terrorists?

Press TV

Thousands of Americans, who risked their lives to save lives during the 9/11 terror attacks on US soil, will soon be screened by the FBI terrorism watch list.

A host of 9/11 first responders, who saved countless lives, will now have their personal data put through a government terror database and will be considered possible terrorists under a provision in James Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Act -- a bill named after an NYPD detective who died of 9/11 -- related illnesses, The Huffington Post reported on Thursday.

They will subsequently be denied treatment for breathing disorders and mental health problems developed in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The provision was added to the 9/11 first responders health care law last May, when Republican Rep. Cliff Stearns of Florida tabled an amendment during the intense debate over the bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee...[Full Article]


9/11 Survivors Wanting Benefits Must Be Checked Against Terror Watch List
Responders Never Told About Florida Congressman's Provision

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It is being taken as an outrage and an insult.

There were harsh words Friday for a little-noticed provision in the “Zadroga bill.” People who are ill because of the 9/11 terror attack won’t qualify for help until they’re checked against the terror watch list, reports CBS 2’s Tony Aiello.

They say it’s an affront to everybody who is sick and dying.

First responder John Feal, who was injured at ground zero, told Aiello it’s like a slap in the face — a letter going out to 9/11 survivors, warning them about a provision in the Zadroga bill.

“I’m gonna get a letter in the mail seeing if I’m a terrorist?” Feal said...[Full Article]