In the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11, where thousands of people lost their lives, even more have suffered or even died from illnesses caused by exposure to toxins at Ground Zero.

Even now, seventeen years after the devastating event, victims continue to suffer from the effects of toxic exposure. In the days and weeks following 9/11, Lower Manhattan was covered in dust filled with dangerous chemicals like benzene, asbestos, jet fuel, and other carcinogens. Some have developed what they believe to be WTC cancer.

Mariners and WTC Cancer Risk

Those who may have been exposed include first responders, residents, volunteers, students, teachers, and more. A number of mariners were also there to help on 9/11, evacuating thousands of people on their boats and away from danger. Unfortunately, these heroes were exposed to toxic materials even as they saved lives, placing them at risk of developing serious illnesses years down the line.

One such hero, Thomas Phelan, worked as a captain of one of the Statue of Liberty tour ferries, according to an article on WorkBoat. When the towers fell, Thomas participated in the massive evacuation. After the attacks, Thomas became an NYC firefighter and was assigned to a marine unit.

Unfortunately, since that fateful day, Thomas was diagnosed with cancer, leading to his death last month on March 16. Thomas was 45 years old. His fatal illness has been attributed to inhaling toxic fumes at Ground Zero, which he was only exposed to because of his daring rescue mission and his role in helping to save thousands of lives. Thomas’s WTC cancer was fast-acting: he was diagnosed in February 2018, and died just one month later, on March 16.

According to the Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, more than 170 firefighters have died since 9/11 because of illnesses brought on by toxins from the attacks, including WTC cancer. Many mariners have since registered with the World Trade Center Health Program.

The WTC Health Program was created to help provide health monitoring to the victims exposed to dangerous chemicals at Ground Zero who are therefore at risk of developing WTC cancer. A fund was established to offer financial assistance to those who have developed WTC cancer or other illnesses, as well as to the families of those who have lost loved ones from these diseases.

Eligibility for Compensation After WTC Cancer Diagnosis

Those diagnosed with one of the dozens of different cancers in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks may be eligible for compensation from the World Trade Center compensation fund. WTC cancer can include lung cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, leukemia, brain cancer, sarcoma, and many others. A full list of these cancer types is available on our investigation page.

If you or someone you love was diagnosed with WTC cancer in the years following exposure to dangerous toxins at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, you may be eligible for compensation.