A high number of police officers who attended to the scene of the 9-11 attacks have since been diagnosed with cancer, according to new media reports.
The new figures — first reported by The New York Post – indicate 297 cops have been diagnosed with cancer since working at Ground Zero, and the average age at the time of diagnosis is 44 at the time of diagnosis, according to the data from the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.
Of the 12,000 who attended the scene of the atrocity at the World Trade Center 10 years ago, 56 have died.
Lung cancer was the most common form of the disease among officers, although there were more rare varieties including cancers of the bile duct, tongue and nasal passages.
Residents of lower Manhattan have long claimed that the dust and ash clouds triggered by the long-burning fires at the site of the twin towers were toxic.
Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association Patrick J. Lynch called on city officials to release all data they have on health conditions facing New York City police who responded to the scene.
“It is time to stop the obstruction and provide funds for treating cancers in those men and women who selflessly answered this city and nation's call in its hour of greatest need,” said Lynch, in a statement posted on the association’s website.