Air Pollution at Ground Zero Becomes a Concern
January 9, 2002
It has been nearly four months since the September 11th tragedy, and casualties from Osama bin Laden's cowardly act of terror are still rising. The latest problem? Residents say that there is something wrong with the air in New York City as innocent civilians are becoming sick.
Nosebleeds, sore throats, and asthma attacks are common complaints. To date, there does not seem to be a cure. New York health officials fear that burning rubble at ground zero released toxic fumes over the last several months. Hundreds of firefighters have already abandoned their posts, too sick to continue the cleanup effort. In addition, four Port Authority officers were diagnosed with elevated mercury levels in their blood. Now area residents and school children are beginning to show similar symptoms.
Soon after the attacks the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) soothed fears by claiming that New York City air was safe. It was not until almost a month later that an EPA report revealed that dioxin, PCBs, lead and chromium were all found in the lower Manhattan atmosphere. Nevertheless, the EPA insists that ground zero related air pollution does not pose a significant danger to New Yorkers.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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