A Homeland Security special agent and first responder to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks recently passed away due to 9/11 related illness.

Special Agent Dennis M. was part of the group that helped secure the U.S. Customs House at the WTC after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. After the attacks, Dennis stayed in the area to assist with recovery efforts. Over the course of his 31-year career in law enforcement, Dennis worked with Homeland Security and the former U.S. Customs Service.

Like many first responders, Dennis suffered from 9/11 related illness as a result of his exposure to the toxic substances released by the burning rubble of the World Trade Center. His 9/11 related illness is reportedly the reason for his passing.

Toxic chemicals released at Ground Zero include aluminum, asbestos, glass, and burnt jet fuel. It is estimated that over 1 million individuals were exposed to these toxins during the terrorist attacks and the 8 month clean up period which followed.

A variety of first responders were exposed to toxic chemicals including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, government agents, city workers, volunteers and more. However, residents, workers and students in the area surrounding Ground Zero may have also become exposed to the toxic chemicals from the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

Unfortunately, individuals who were exposed to toxic materials may develop a 9/11 related illness. The most common illness associated with exposure to toxic materials is cancer. A variety of cancers have been reported with 9/11 illness including the following:

• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Non-melanoma Skin Cancer
• Melanoma
• Thyroid Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Leukemia
• Mesothelioma
• Head, Neck, Nasal, Mouth Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Esophagus Cancer
• Bone Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Brain Cancer
• Sarcoma
• And countless more

As heartbreaking as 9/11 related illness may be, there are avenues for pursuing compensation. The government and non-profit organizations have founded numerous funds and programs which provide compensation and healthcare coverage to first responders suffering from a 9/11 related illness.

One such program is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund which was established by the federal government. The fund offers tax-free compensation for pain and suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses, and more. A large wrongful death benefit may also be available to assist with funeral expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for surviving family members.

The fund actually closed in 2004 but was reopened in January 2011 after it was discovered that individuals are still being diagnosed with 9/11 illnesses. In 2015, President Obama signed a bill into law that will keep the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund running until 2020.

There are a variety of deadlines to meet and forms to fill out while applying for aid through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. These requirements may make the process overwhelming and stressful, but a qualified attorney may be able to assist individuals with the paperwork involved and help them recover the maximum compensation available. Several attorneys specialize in these sorts of compensation funds and are well versed in the documentation and paperwork involved.