For my environmental research project for the ELEA course this semester I have been measuring and seeking to understand the health issues that are effecting thousands of 9/11 rescue and recovery workers. The primary source of research for my project was acquired through various interviews and interactions. I have always wondered why there has been a lack of resolve and advocacy regarding the health issues that are plaguing thousands of Ground Zero workers and those who chose to remain in the surrounding area. This is a prominent and ongoing issue that needs a great deal of attention and deserves an even greater amount of action. I hope to achieve further recognition and advocacy for the 9/11 rescue workers and others exposed to the toxic aftermath. The connections I have made and opportunities I have experienced throughout my research have also served as a motivating force, pushing me on through various difficulties. This is an issue that everyone should be made aware of, as it is our responsibility to assist the forgotten heroes of 9/11 and New York. ELEA has encouraged and supported all of my endeavors in researching such an emotional and difficult environmental issues.
Through the ups and downs of my research, ELEA has provided me with challenges and opportunities that have a shaped and developed me into a better leader.
I would like to continue to develop my skills and role as a leader. There is no end to one’s development as a leader. Throughout life one faces a plethora of challenges and it is made of those challenges that allows one to continue to develop into a great leader.
As a follow-up to my research in ELEA, I plan to continue my involvement with the FealGood foundation, continue my advocacy on behalf of the 9/11 Rescue and Recovery workers and keep up contact with the 9/11 Rescue and Recovery workers I have already established bonds with. I will do this by continuing to go down to Washington, D.C. and all other events hosted and organized by the FealGood Foundation.
Are doctors and IHs still saying that rare cancers like those the responders are dying of, as well as Councilmember Stanley Michels' (angiosarcoma of the brain) was not caused by inhalation of WTC smoke and dust? It still irks me that these folks pooh poohed my contention for so long, strange as it sounds, that inhaling lots of all sorts of interacting carcinogens causes all kinds of cancer... I wonder when (if?) all those exposed started regular cancer screenings conducted by those screening for lung disease. Could it have been earlier / saved people? Is anyone keeping track of the cancers and cancer deaths? Dr. Moline's example, below, of a single carcinogen exposure taking time to result in cancer, can't compare to exposure to massive amounts of many carcinogens and toxicants. I wonder why after all these years no one brings this up to her... And hasn't she heard of the precautionary principle? From the last sentence, it appears she's willing to wait until the last shred of scientific data is in before beginning to address the issue. Sounds like the climate change deniers.
Dr. Moline made it clear that this was an extreme case and “novel [form] of exposure,’ leaving ‘a group of folks with all kinds of bizarre issues.” Another point that Dr. Moline made certain to highlight was the fact that there have “reportedly been many cases of lymphoma, leukemia, cancers, etc.”, emphasis on “reportedly” as she believes that “For anyone who has cancer now, I think it’s overwhelmingly unlikely that it’s related to the World Trade Center”. (Source: New York Magazine) Dr. Moline roots her belief in the fact that during Vietnam, the many who were exposed to Agent Orange did not develop cancers, or chronic lymphomatic leukemia until decades after the war and their purported exposure. It is “very difficult to pin point and confirm a cause” in these cases when said life-threatening medical issues evolve over time..