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NEW YORK - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg today sought at least US$150 ($220) million a year from the US federal government to help care for people with lingering health problems tied to the Sept. 11 attacks.
"Anything less and they would be turning their backs on those who responded with courage and suffered through this terrible ordeal," Bloomberg said upon releasing the results of a study on the health effects of the 2001 attacks.
Thousands of people including firefighters, police and lower Manhattan residents and workers were exposed to burning jet fuel, toxic ash and dust when hijacked jetliners crashed into the World Trade Centre and caused it to collapse.
"Our first responders were responding to an act of war against this nation, and the federal government has a clear responsibility to them," Bloomberg said.
The study, conducted by New York City, estimates health care costs of $392 million per year for the foreseeable future to monitor and treat people affected. Most suffer from lung disorders and mental health problems.
The direct cost to the city is US$150 million with the remainder covered by other funds such as insurance, Bloomberg said.
The federal government has pledged US$20 billion in aid and tax breaks, mostly for rebuilding lower Manhattan, and US President George W. Bush included US$25 million in his most recent budget to provide health care for emergency workers.
The study calls federal support for health care "modest and short-term."
- REUTERS
