By:  Steve Prescott

The recent passing of the 9/11 Notice Act in the state Assembly and Senate aims to address the health issues surrounding the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. The legislation will require businesses in lower Manhattan and northern Brooklyn, where the attacks took place, to contact workers who were employed during that time and may have been exposed to life-threatening toxins, NY Post reported.

Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, who drafted the legislation, was motivated to take action after learning that a large percentage of the 400,000 civilians exposed to 9/11 toxins had not registered for the available medical compensation programs. While over 80% of first responders had registered, only a small percentage of civilians with qualifying medical conditions had taken advantage of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund and the World Trade Center Health Program, both of which offer free monitoring and treatment for eligible individuals with WTC-related illnesses.

The 9/11 Notice Act seeks to raise awareness about these programs by requiring employers and former employers to contact employees who worked near Ground Zero between September 2001 and the end of May 2002. The employees will be informed of their right to seek medical compensation and the availability of federal resources to help them. Assemblyman Sayegh emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one is left to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses and burdened with overwhelming medical bills when assistance is readily available.

The tragic aftermath of the 9/11 attacks has been marked by numerous cases of people, including students, workers, and first responders, developing cancers and other illnesses due to exposure to toxins. The number of deaths related to 9/11 health-related illnesses has surpassed the death toll from the attacks themselves. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who vividly recalled the sights and smells of that fateful day, emphasized that the effects of the toxins continue to linger, causing thousands of deaths even after more than two decades.

Tommy Steed, Chairman of the Association of BellTel Retirees, expressed his support for the legislation by highlighting the efforts of those who worked tirelessly at Ground Zero to restore communication lines after the attacks. These workers, who were exposed to the largest and most toxic burn pit in the world, faced significant health risks as they labored to reconnect vital communication services in the affected area.

By ensuring that workers who may have been exposed to toxins are aware of their eligibility for compensation and treatment, the legislation aims to provide much-needed support and relief to those affected by the long-term health consequences of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, concerns arose regarding the air quality and potential health risks associated with the dust and debris that permeated the area. Christine Todd Whitman, who served as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the time, and Mayor Rudy Giuliani, made statements regarding the safety of the air in the aftermath.

Christine Todd Whitman has faced criticism for her statements regarding air quality. On September 18, 2001, she assured the public that the air in Lower Manhattan was safe to breathe. However, subsequent reports and studies indicated that the air contained hazardous substances, including asbestos, lead, and other toxins. Critics argue that Whitman’s reassurances downplayed the potential health risks for those working at Ground Zero and the surrounding areas.

Rudy Giuliani also made statements regarding the air quality after the attacks. He echoed Whitman’s assurances, stating that the air was safe to breathe.