Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement in response to a new report today which shows four 9/11 responders under the age of 45 have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of cancer:
"No one could have imagined the long lasting harm that the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks would have on the health and well being of thousands of first responders and innocent men, women, and children in New York. The report released today is yet another stark reminder that there is a lot of work left to do in providing long-term monitoring and treatment for those exposed to the World Trade Center site. We have an undeniable moral obligation to help the heroes of 9/11 and all others exposed, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to pass legislation that will provide resources for the care and close monitoring needed to address their health challenges."
The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine released a report today showing that four responders under 45 were diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the immune system. This type of cancer is commonly a disease of the elderly.
In June, Senator Gillibrand introduced the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. This legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Charles E. Schumer, Frank R. Lautenberg, and Robert Menendez, would provide treatment and long-term monitoring and for those who face health effects from exposure to the World Trade Center site in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.