The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was scheduled to be closed shortly, but advocates are now arguing that it should remain open for longer.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund has been a primary source of financial compensation for those who have been diagnosed with health problems directly as a result of being a first responder or working in or near the area of Ground Zero.

More victims are reportedly beginning to experience symptoms and just now discovering that they have a cancer diagnosis or health issue directly related to their 9/11 exposure. Current victims and advocates say that the fund should stay open to allow for people who might not yet be diagnosed with cancer but will be soon.

Since the day of the attacks, many more people have developed cancers and respiratory illnesses from being exposed to toxic substances near the area.

Many of those who have recovered funds through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund reportedly developed cancer many years after the original event. Some of these 9/11 cancers have a long latency period, meaning that the person was originally exposed to the toxic substances on or near the date of the attack, but that the cancer took years to develop.

Some of the people who have received benefits through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund began to experience symptoms years after working near the area, and others discovered the cancer or related medical diagnosis during an annual exam.

The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund originally came into being in 2011, designed to help those who were exposed to toxic contaminants at Ground Zero, and developed problems after breathing in the toxic air. Since the inception of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, more than $4 billion has been distributed to over 22,000 victims.

The law was reauthorized in 2015, extending that fund by five years. Those who develop cancer or devastating medical conditions because of their exposure can submit claims through Dec. 18, 2020. However, the number of September 11th Victim Compensation Fund claims continues to increase, according to advocates who say that the law should be renewed.

Advocates argue that no one anticipated the rates at which people would be diagnosed with cancer or other serious medical conditions. Additionally, advocates point out that, since so many have filed their claims in recent years, the program should be extended past 2020 in anticipation of 9/11 cancer victims in the future. Some even argue that the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund shouldn’t have an expiration date because of the alarming rates of people who are developing rare and aggressive cancers tied to their toxic exposure.

Advocates note that the rate of cancer development remains stubbornly high for those who were potentially exposed to toxins during or in the months after the Sept. 11 attack. Those who are experiencing unexpected pain or other symptoms should tell their physician immediately.