The firefighters union in New York City is expressing outrage over the recent discovery of 68 boxes filled with health-related documents from Ground Zero, particularly since they believed such files were nonexistent.
This newly found material contains thousands of pages regarding potential toxins associated with the Lower Manhattan site, which union officials believe could support the inclusion of new illnesses into the 9/11-related health conditions recognized by authorities.
On September 11, 2001, around 343 firefighters from the FDNY lost their lives at the World Trade Center, and numerous additional first responders have succumbed to health issues linked to that day.
Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY Uniform Firefighters Association, spoke at a press conference and stated that this evidence could have been crucial for the long-term health care of those who were present at the site. “It seems they opted to conceal this information,” he said.
Since the attacks, about 400 individuals exposed to Ground Zero have died due to health complications.
Ansbro further noted that 24 boxes were all that the city previously provided in terms of information.
For years, advocates representing 9/11 first responders have been in legal battles to gain greater access to data about health risks stemming from the terrorist attacks, with approximately 140,000 potentially affected workers and residents involved in the World Trade Center Health Program.
When the towers collapsed, harmful substances, including asbestos, were released, putting many New Yorkers at risk for various illnesses—despite earlier claims by officials that there was nothing to worry about.
Victims’ advocates have long called for transparency regarding these health risks, which they believe have been kept under wraps.
Thomas McManus, legal counsel for the firefighters’ union, mentioned that the records came to light thanks to City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, who has been an advocate for first responders for many years.
“This is a bittersweet moment,” McManus told news outlets, acknowledging that while the city is finally showing some transparency, it took nearly a quarter of a century, numerous lawsuits, and concerted efforts by individuals like Brewer to uncover this documentation.
Ansbro, who lost his father to 9/11-related health issues, emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth. “It’s essential for all families affected to know who misled them regarding health risks,” he asserted.
City officials have opted not to comment specifically on the new documents due to ongoing litigation involving first responders and their families.
In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams expressed commitment to ensuring that victims, their families, and first responders receive proper care and services. He declined to discuss litigation specifics but mentioned that the city is working to provide documents to lawyers representing the plaintiffs, indicating a structured timeline going forward. “We are dedicated to delivering the answers that 9/11 victims and their families deserve,” the statement concluded.
