FDNY Union Demands Answers on 9/11 Toxin Records from NYC

Discovery of 9/11 Records

• 📦 68 boxes of 9/11 records were recently discovered and turned over by New York City, which had previously denied their existence.
• ❓ The FDNY Uniform Firefighters Association is demanding to know what city hall knew about 9/11 dangers and when.

Health Impacts and First Responders

• 💔 The union is still fighting for healthcare funding nearly 25 years after 9/11, while the city withheld these records.
• 🎗️ The death of NYPD Detective Jimmy Zed Roga in 2006, linked to 9/11 related illness, highlighted the presence of toxins like ground glass, asbestos, and benzene.
• 🚒 Retired FDNY firefighter Billy Gormley and former chief of transit Michael Ansbro are among others who died from similar illnesses.

Potential Impact of Records

• 💡 Andrew Ansbro, son of Michael Ansbro and president of the Uniform Firefighters Association, believes earlier access to these documents could have prevented illnesses.
• ⚠️ First responders and the public might have made different choices about exposure if they had known the risks, potentially leading to better protection and more informed decisions.
• 🏥 Attorney Michael Barer notes that the air near ground zero was declared safe when it was not, and these records could have aided the creation of the World Trade Center health program.

City's Response and Future Hopes

• ⚖️ The city denies lying or a cover-up, with a city attorney stating a diligent search found no records at the time.
• ✅ Mayor Eric Adams' administration stated they are dedicated to getting 9/11 victims and their families the answers they need.
• 🤝 The union hopes the new mayoral administration will work with them to uncover who lied and to prioritize protecting citizens and employees over limiting liability.