Letter to the Editor—October 4, 2004

 

I commend your honest investigation of the real environmental implications of 9/11 [“Fallout,” by Jennifer Senior, September 20]. It did no good whatsoever for the EPA to mislead the people of New York City about the public-health risks at ground zero.

—Michael D. Shaw

The above is a shortened version of a letter sent to, and published by, New York Magazine. Only a few days after September 11, 2001, we heard alarming stories of health effects resulting from the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. The air was full of toxic particles, and thousands of New Yorkers were seeking medical care. Somehow, the local media failed to follow up on this story, citing EPA’s assurances that there was “no problem.” Only now is EPA’s perfidy being exposed. Sadly, LOCAL health and environmental officials were aware that something was wrong, but were apparently powerless against the Feds.