Unfortunately, more of the first responders and police officers that were in the area of ground zero have reported 9/11 illnesses. Many of these individuals who have developed 9/11 illnesses as a result of serving in or near the area since that fateful day have passed away.

Many people living and working in the area have 9/11 illnesses now because furniture, building materials, and electronic equipment were destroyed in the explosions and resulting fires. Those materials broke down and were spread throughout the dust in the area.

Ultimately, many people trying to help the relief efforts breathed in these dangerous materials. Initial smoke inhalation problems might have subsided after a few days or weeks, but over the long term, these issues can develop into serious medical conditions because of the toxic dust.

The most recent victim of 9/11 illnesses to pass away was retired FDNY EMT Joseph Rodriguez, known as Joey Challenger. According to a New York Daily News report, he suffered from 9/11 illnesses that caused him to suffer pain and pass away. Friends and family members reported that after a long period of suffering from 9/11 illnesses he passed away following a diagnosis of lung cancer.

This latest victim to fall due to 9/11 illnesses was only 59 years old. Benefits and compensation may be available to victims of 9/11 illnesses including a growing number of policemen, firefighters and other first responders who have developed a variety of different types of cancer.

The 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund is there to assist with payments for those individuals who worked in and around the area carrying out heroic acts following the fall of the twin towers and came into contact with dangerous air and other conditions that could have caused cancer.

Unfortunately, 9/11 illnesses have surged in recent years as sometimes these cancer diagnoses can take time to develop or the symptoms do not appear until 10 to 20 years after the fact. For this reason, the 9/11 Victims’ Compensation Fund was extended from its original closure date to allow the victims of 9/11 illnesses to recover necessary compensation.

Any unexplained medical conditions or symptoms could be a sign of 9/11 illnesses. Given the numbers of people who have been diagnosed with cancer and related medical problems, any changes in medical condition should be taken seriously if the person in question was around Ground Zero.

People diagnosed with 9/11 illnesses are likely to have significant medical bills because some of the most common diagnoses have to do with cancer.

The loved ones of these victims suffering from 9/11 illnesses have reported great sadness at the loss of their loved ones who so honorably stepped up to the plate during the disaster and the following days and months in an effort to save other people.

Anyone who is currently been diagnosed with any type of 9/11 illnesses should consider looking into the Victims’ Compensation Fund for possible inclusion and tapping into those benefits.