REPORTAGE
Many cancers have been reported among the first rescuers of 9/11, but also among locals or people working near the ruins and works. It is estimated that there are 3,000 deaths after 9/11, that is, as much as the same day. Tens of thousands of other people are sick. These figures are advanced by a study conducted by the scientific journal The Lancet. Wednesday, a new memorial was born in Manhattan, without any name engraved on it. Xavier Yvon, correspondent for Europe 1 in the United States, went there.
"It is for all those, like me, who suffer from September 11", explains on the spot a father who fights against colon cancer diagnosed last year. "A very rare disease for someone 35 years old like me," he says. In 2001, just after the attacks, he returned to work in southern Manhattan. He inhaled, unknowingly, toxic products, very likely causes of his cancer.
"The worst chemical attack"
Three days ago, his case was accepted by the post-9/11 compensation fund. His lawyer helped him a lot. The latter represents 1,500 patients. He testified: "It was the worst terrorist attack in history but also the worst chemical attack because half a million people were exposed and the number of cancers increased." The terrorists killed a lot of people that day. there and unfortunately, they still continue to kill. "
On the World Trade Center site, the new memorial therefore aims to honor the past, present and future victims of September 11, 2001.