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In New York City, members of the Fire Department of New York and union leaders rallied on Monday to demand answers about newly discovered documents related to toxins at Ground Zero. The city recently uncovered 68 boxes of records that reveal first responders were exposed to harmful substances during the September 11 attacks, information that was allegedly withheld from the public.
Union officials claim these documents contain critical data about the presence of asbestos and other toxins in the air following the attacks. According to ABC7, the city knew about these toxins but failed to disclose the information, potentially endangering the lives of first responders. Since 9/11, 400 FDNY members have died from illnesses linked to Ground Zero toxins.
The documents were discovered after legislation prompted an investigation into what city officials knew about the toxins and when they knew it. NY1 reports that only 22 of the 68 boxes have been opened so far. The Department of Environmental Protection is currently scanning the documents to learn more about the air quality in the aftermath of the attacks.
FDNY UFA President Andrew Ansbro expressed frustration, stating, "Twenty-four years ago, they made the choice to hide the evidence of what happened on 9/11." City Hall has begun turning over documents to plaintiff's counsel, but cannot comment on specifics due to pending litigation.
As the review continues, questions remain about whether the documents were intentionally hidden or lost in bureaucracy. City Councilmember Gale Brewer, who sponsored the law requiring the investigation, emphasized the importance of making this information public. The families of the 140,000 people in the World Trade Center Health Program and those who have died deserve to know the truth.
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