2008 Woodie Awards
U.S. War on Terrorism is Alive and Well
Alexandra Ferrara
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Opinions
Whether you believe in it, oppose it, are disgusted by it or take great pride in it, the war on terrorism is alive and still killing those who cross its path.
Yet this type of terrorism isn't roadside bombs or launching RPG-7s at soldiers. This is a silent form of terrorism. This is the aftermath.
Almost 15,000 citizens of New York City have developed severe medical problems after one of America's most devastating moments in history, 9/11. The biggest culprit is air pollution from excess amounts of dust circulating in the air. Many victims say the government provided false information to the public stating that the air was safe. They are pursuing a class-action law suit.
Known as the "WTC Cough," several die each day from its effects. Last Tuesday, a coroner confirmed that the death of a policeman who developed a respiratory problem died because of the dust created by 9/11. Several policemen, Industrial Transport workers, and firefighters have confirmed they are required to take a cocktail of pills in order to breathe properly. Those who are fortunate enough not to take pills suffer from sinus pain and asthma. What is even more terrifying is that the condition can amplify and 10 to 15 years from now there is not telling what will happen to the victims.
The World Trade Center Screening Program at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York has gathered that there are about 16,000 sufferers, 8,000 of whom have already required treatment. In addition, 7,000 firefighters are recorded as having a range of medical problems, equaling a total of 15,000 who have been treated thus far. However, the overall numbers affected could easily be higher.
Comprising billions of microscopic particles, the dust was especially toxic due to its contents. The list includes lead from 50,000 destroyed computers, asbestos from the Twin Towers' structures and hazardously high levels of alkalinity from the concrete.
Many feel angry and even betrayed that their efforts to search for survivors, volunteer or participate in the Ground Zero clean up ended in the deterioration of their health. Those who feel particularly betrayed do so because the EPA claimed that the city air was safe to breathe only days after the attacks. In a critical morale-boosting effort, authorities reopened the globally important financial hub in the world and tried to put the wounded nation back into gear.
Yet this type of terrorism isn't roadside bombs or launching RPG-7s at soldiers. This is a silent form of terrorism. This is the aftermath.
Almost 15,000 citizens of New York City have developed severe medical problems after one of America's most devastating moments in history, 9/11. The biggest culprit is air pollution from excess amounts of dust circulating in the air. Many victims say the government provided false information to the public stating that the air was safe. They are pursuing a class-action law suit.
Known as the "WTC Cough," several die each day from its effects. Last Tuesday, a coroner confirmed that the death of a policeman who developed a respiratory problem died because of the dust created by 9/11. Several policemen, Industrial Transport workers, and firefighters have confirmed they are required to take a cocktail of pills in order to breathe properly. Those who are fortunate enough not to take pills suffer from sinus pain and asthma. What is even more terrifying is that the condition can amplify and 10 to 15 years from now there is not telling what will happen to the victims.
The World Trade Center Screening Program at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York has gathered that there are about 16,000 sufferers, 8,000 of whom have already required treatment. In addition, 7,000 firefighters are recorded as having a range of medical problems, equaling a total of 15,000 who have been treated thus far. However, the overall numbers affected could easily be higher.
Comprising billions of microscopic particles, the dust was especially toxic due to its contents. The list includes lead from 50,000 destroyed computers, asbestos from the Twin Towers' structures and hazardously high levels of alkalinity from the concrete.
Many feel angry and even betrayed that their efforts to search for survivors, volunteer or participate in the Ground Zero clean up ended in the deterioration of their health. Those who feel particularly betrayed do so because the EPA claimed that the city air was safe to breathe only days after the attacks. In a critical morale-boosting effort, authorities reopened the globally important financial hub in the world and tried to put the wounded nation back into gear.
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