John Howard, the administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, federal health authorities announced that they were adding 58 types of cancer to the list of illnesses covered by the poisonous toxins caused by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks just days before the 11th anniversary. The Science/Technical Advisory Committee recommended the "coverage for certain types of cancer resulting from exposure to toxins released at Ground Zero," and Howard began his proposal in June to include these cancers in the 14 categories of covered illnesses (CNN). The cancers include skin, breast, stomach, and colon cancer, and will be added to a list of conditions such as asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and lung and airway disorders (Berger). .
"The publication of this final rule marks an important step in the effort to provide needed treatment and care to 9/11 responders and survivors through the WTC Health Program," said Howard, adding that the rule will officially be published on September 12th and will begin to take effect 30 days later (CNN).
However, the victims will have to undergo a government certification process to prove that their condition is a result of exposure at Ground Zero. After applying for coverage, victims must prove their "physical presence at one of the crash sites between September 11, 2001 and May 30, 2002" (Berger). .
By adding the 48 cancers, an additional 950 to 2,150 people would be eligible for coverage, including first responders, volunteers, survivors, and residents who were near the site. In total, the new additions are estimated to cost between $14.5 million and $33 million in order to cover the victims for five years. The original bill covered victims for 30 years, but the House reduced the compensation bill to just a mere five years, although many cancers do not appear for decades after the original exposure (CNN).
The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act officially passed Congress in December 2010, and was signed by President Barack in January 2011.
