For First Time, New York Links Death to 9/11 Dust Exposure

From Democracynow.org:



Here in New York, the city’s chief medical examiner has for the first time linked a death to dust exposure from the attack on the World Trade Center. In a letter released Wednesday, Dr. Charles Hirsch says he’s certain ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ that toxic dust from the debris contributed to the death of forty-two year old civil rights lawyer Felicia Dunn-Jones. Dunn-Jones was engulfed as she fled the attacks from her office just one block away from the trade center. She developed respiratory problems and died five months later. Dr. Hirsh’s decision could have a major impact on how the city deals with the growing number of illnesses and deaths linked to toxic exposure from the 9/11 attacks. New York Congressmember Carolyn Maloney said: “The city medical examiner has now accepted what thousands of people with 9/11-related illnesses and their doctors have long understood: that ground zero dust was harmful and even deadly.”