9/11 First Responders Request Aid for Health Issues
On September 11, 2001, New York City’s police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders carried out one of the most heroic missions in U.S. history. They entered into a black cloud of toxins and dust without a thought for themselves, concerned only about the welfare of those that could be saved following the nightmarish terrorist attack.
Unfortunately for many of these first responders, the impact of these attacks continues today in the form of debilitating respiratory illnesses such as mesothelioma. Many of the conditions being diagnosed in the 9/11 first responders can be linked to asbestos that was prevalent in the air on the day of the attacks and for some time afterward. Some studies show that as many as 70 percent of the World Trade Center rescue workers suffer from some type of respiratory ailment.
Currently, a group is fighting to secure government aid for those workers that have been affected. They are proposing legislation in Congress and New York’s City Council that would provide full medical coverage for all World Trade Center attack first responders. The current government aid that is available is confusing and incomplete according to some.
There are also many private organizations such as The 9/11 Police Aid Foundation collecting donations to help support responders that are suffering from 9/11-related diseases, such as mesothelioma. To learn more about government aid, legislation, and health conditions related to the World Trade Center attacks, please visit Families of September 11.
Questions to ask your Mesothelioma Doctor
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, is no small matter.
You want to be well informed about your condition and be sure that you have a medical team that will assist and support you through the process of managing your disease. This is why it pays to have a list of questions and concerns to ask soon after your diagnosis so that you can be as aware as possible.
Questions to ask your doctor about mesothelioma:
- What is the specific type of mesothelioma that I have?
- What is my mesothelioma stage?
- What do you see as my prognosis?
- What are my treatment options?
- Are you experienced in treating this type of mesothelioma?
- Why do you suggest this specific type of treatment?
- What are the side effects of this type of treatment?
- How long does this treatment take?
- What are the goals of this suggested treatment?
- What exactly will happen during my treatment?
- Where will it be done and who will perform it?
These are just some of the questions to ask your doctor. It is important to be candid and to ask any questions that may come to mind. It is also a good idea to write these questions down and include others you may have. To help you stay organized, consider requesting our Mesothelioma Information Guide and Care Organizer. Your health is important, so be sure that you are clear on a course of action.
Low-Level Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos, which is a mineral known to cause cancerous diseases, can be found in places not always considered to be a high-level asbestos environment. Low levels of asbestos exposure may also put a person at risk for asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma. And low-level exposure is apparently more prevalent than we may think.
Low-level exposure can occur around many asbestos products. These products were widely used in construction industries, as well as in products used in preventing and fighting fires. You may come into contact with low levels of asbestos around:
- Insulation
- Plumbing
- Fire Resistant Clothing
- Wallboards
- Flooring
- Plasters
- Adhesives
- Roofing materials
- Electrical panels and insulation
- Caulking
- Paint
The list of asbestos products is long, and any of them can emit asbestos into the environment. These low-level exposures can take place in schools, public buildings and even in the home. Additionally, someone who works with asbestos must take extra precaution to protect their family from the substance, because low-levels of asbestos can travel home with them through their clothing, skin, hair and shoes.
Professionals who are exposed to asbestos should consider adopting practices such as showering while still at the workplace, storing extra clothes to wear when leaving work, and washing work clothes at the workplace. Asbestos products are still in use today, particularly in the construction industry. It is wise to become familiar with the many places that these products are used in order to prevent asbestos exposure.
If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos and would like to talk to one of our family advocates, please contact us today or call us at 1-877-273-4498.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Dumping Asbestos
In a location about 65 miles east of Syracuse, NY, as much as 60 tons of asbestos-contaminated materials were dumped in a farm field. John Deck of Norwood, N.J. pled guilty to this illegal act and admitted to using a phony state permit and several truckers to carry out this unsafe job.
This crime can have a penalty that includes a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in federal prison. Deck will be sentenced in the Utica U.S. District Court next January. The investigation is still continuing and he is also expected to pay some of the asbestos removal costs, which are anticipated to be in the millions of dollars.
Strict guidelines are explained by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on how to properly, efficiently, and safely dispose of asbestos. These rules are for the safety of not only anyone directly involved with asbestos, but also the larger surrounding community that may be exposed.
