NYC Leaders Accused of Hiding 9/11 Toxin Records for 20 Years

Discovery of Hidden 9/11 Records

• 📌 68 boxes of Ground Zero toxin records, held by the Uniformed Firefighters Association, have surfaced 24 years after 9/11, potentially revealing hidden truths.
• 💡 First responders and their advocates claim these records were deliberately hidden by New York City government officials for two decades.

Content of the Records

• 🔬 Attorneys reviewed 24 boxes containing approximately 5,000 pages each, detailing the Department of Environmental Protection's response to 9/11.
• 🧪 The records include information on asbestos air testing conducted in the week following September 11th, as well as data on chemical and metal contamination.
• ⚠️ A city law department letter suggests the documents were preserved to serve as evidence in potential future lawsuits against the city.

Impact on First Responders

• 💔 The Uniformed Firefighters Association President, Andrew Ansboro, whose father died from a 9/11 related cancer, stated this information could have aided in securing healthcare for sick first responders and civilians.
• ⚖️ Michael Barish, a lawyer for the 9/11 community and a two-time cancer survivor, called the alleged withholding of information inexcusable, stating individuals could have made informed decisions about returning to work or home.

Legal and City Response

• 🗣️ Union officials and advocacy groups, like 9/11 Health Watch, are demanding answers and pushing for the city to release all documents.
• 💬 A city hall spokesperson stated Mayor Adams is committed to victims' care and that the city has begun turning over documents, though they could not comment on pending litigation.
• 🔍 Legal teams are seeking sworn testimony from city officials and are still awaiting review of the remaining boxes.