Numerous people are at risk for 9/11 first responders cancer after being exposed to toxic substances during the terrorist attacks over a decade ago.

On Sept. 11, 2001, there were numerous people who died directly from the plane crashes. Today, others continue to die from chronic complications especially those suffering from 9/11 first responders cancer.

One of these reported victims is former detective Dennis Murphy, who worked with the New York City Police Department and is warning other people in his field and other emergency services to be wary of cancer that may have been caused by exposure to environmental hazards in the vicinity of Ground Zero.

During the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Murphy told the Post Star that he helped in the main morgue on 30th Street and First Avenue in Manhattan, identifying the remains of fellow police officers and firefighters who died during the terrorist attacks.

Like many other first responders that helped during the 9/11 attacks, Murphy says he was not provided a respirator or any other protective equipment. Murphy reports that they were completely exposed and vulnerable to the dangerous substances released by the collapsed building including shattered glass, asbestos, burned jet fuel, and aluminum.

Over one million people, including first responders, were exposed to these materials during the eight month cleanup period in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Murphy told the Post Star that even though he never smoked a cigarette in his life, he is suffering from cancer in the tongue, throat, and neck. Murphy says he joined the World Trade Center cancer fund soon after his 9/11 first responders cancer diagnosis, which has helped him afford the vital treatment needed to keep him alive.

Since he was diagnosed, Murphy has become a volunteer with a clinic that is part of the World Trade Center Health Program, which has already helped numerous victims who have been diagnosed with 9/11 cancer.

Overview of 9/11 Compensation Fund

This program started out as a financial program for first responders and other 9/11 survivors, and was signed into effect in 2011 by former President Barack Obama who signed a bill in 2015 that guaranteed the compensation fund would be in operation until 2020.

The original 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund was initially closed in 2004, but was reactivated in 2011 due to the constant stream of 9/11 first responders cancer and other cancer claims from other victims.

The World Trade Center Health Program helps provide medical services, mental health services, and assists with other related expenses to victims suffering from the health complications related to the Ground Zero toxic substances. Murphy has been a part of the compensation program since 2004, but was diagnosed recently.

Along with helping out with his own treatment, Murphy helps other victims by making calls to people who have not yet registered and could be eligible for assistance. At this point in time, Murphy has helped over 100 people sign up for the compensation program.

Along with 9/11 first responders cancer, the compensation fund can also apply to people who were present or near Ground Zero during 9/11 including:

• Sanitation Workers
• Construction Workers
• City Workers
• Utility Workers
• Cleaners
• 9/11 Volunteers
• Out of State Responders
• Employees who worked below Canal Street
• Residents living below Canal Street
• Students going to school below Canal Street