Male firefighters exposed to toxic dust and smoke from the 9/11 disaster have a 19% increased risk for all types of cancer. They were exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and dioxins, all known carcinogens. This is important data because it now makes it possible for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to consider reimbursing those firefighters who have developed cancer after only 7 years.
It is a shame that people who have risked their health and lives have to fight for compensation for their exposure to the toxins in the air from the 9/11 event. This is similar to what has happened through the VA hospitals for soldiers exposed to toxins in wars.
