CANCER RATES AMONG New York’s police officers have almost tripled in the decade since the September 11th 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre, new figures show.

The New York Post published the details this week, which were release by the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (BPA).

They show that 16 NYPD officers – who attended the scene of the attack on the twin towers – a year have been diagnosed with cancer.

Before 9/11, this stood at six officers a year. In total, 56 police officers have died from cancer since 2001.

In 2006, NYPD officers James Zadroga died of a respiratory disease that was attributed to contact with toxic chemicals while taking part in the rescue and recovery at the World Trade Centre.

He had been awarded a settlement of more than $1 million by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

In 2006, legislation to give more death benefits to Ground Zero workers who die from diseases presumed to be caused by exposure during the rescue or recovery efforts was signed by the then-Governor of New York, George Pataki.

Sick 9/11 workers are covered by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill, which was signed into law by US President Barack Obama in January 2011.

However, cancer is not covered in the Act – a decision will be made on this next month.

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