Benzene Exposure Still Haunts Those Involved in 9/11
A rally was held last week in Liberty Plaza in New York City in an effort to help those who have been affected by the toxic chemicals left behind on September 11, 2001. Among those who were a part of the rally was Esther Regelson, a local resident of the city and board member of 9/11 Environmental Action.
According to Regelson, it was the benzene burning jet fuel, joined with the mercury from the smashed fluorescent lighting, lead from the computers, and dioxins from the melting plastics that are still affecting the health of those who were around the World Trade Centers on that fateful day.
Group Committed to Helping Victims of Benzene Exposure
Regelson’s group, is a part of a major coalition that has been committed to helping better the health of post 9-11 workers. Workers and residents who inhaled toxic chemicals like benzene when the towers collapsed reportedly held placards in three different languages, demanding the U.S. government to provide them with health care and compensation for their wrongful exposure.
The rally was based around a theme regarding a recent survey which was conducted by the 9/11 EA and Beyond Ground Zero groups. The survey reportedly revealed that 200 people present in the areas surrounding the World Trade Centers are still, years later, being afflicted with health problems due to toxic chemical exposure.
Many victims of benzene exposure have reported that they are chronically ill. Research also shows that only five percent were able to recover from their sicknesses, and one-third have seen no improvements.
The controversial survey calls attention to the lack of oversight, on the government’s part, into those with health problems due to the events of 9/11. Regelson and the others who took part in the rally hope that with their continued efforts victims of benzene exposure and those exposed to other cancerous chemicals will be provided the health care they need and deserve.
