BY Joseph Straw New York Daily News
Brad Rickerby/Reuters
Brain, pancreatic, testicular and some cervical cancers will be added to the list of 61 cancers now covered by funds to treat and compensate people exposed to dust and fumes at Ground Zero, it was announced Friday.
The expansion of coverage is expected to take effect in 60 days.
The decision reflects growing evidence of a link between those cancers and exposure to toxins unleashed when the Twin Towers collapsed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Injured recovery worker John Feal, who led lobbying for the federal James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act said brain cancer is “one of the most common” he’s seen among Ground Zero workers who have fallen ill.
Exposed workers and residents can register for the World Trade Center Health Program to get free monitoring and treatment for covered illnesses.
Individuals and families affected by 9/11-linked cancers have until October to register for the $2.8 billion Victims Compensation Fund, which provides payments for lost income, pain and suffering.
