COVERAGE

Health Fund to Cover 9/11 Cancers

Developed in aftermath of terrorist attack.

In a groundbreaking ruling on Friday, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health approved 50 different types of cancer to be covered by a $4.3 billion health fund, which was established to compensate people who developed serious illnesses following the September 11, 2011 terrorist attack. Institute director Dr. John Howard announced the ruling, which will allow cancer patients to apply for access to the fund for compensation and treatment. Though there is little empirical evidence directly linking toxic exposure from the attack to cancer, the committee ruled that the “high prevalence of acute symptoms and chronic conditions” in rescuers and residents in the aftermath of 9/11 provided “highly credible” evidence that people were indeed exposed to toxic substances.