Eric Shawn of News reveals cancer and respiratory diseases of toxic dust of September 11
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On the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, News correspondent, Eric Shawn, reported live in News & Friends of Lower Manhattan, where survivors, families, the first to respond and public officials met to honor the almost 3,000 lost lives.
During the segment, Shawn revealed that he suffers from cancer related to 9/11.
“I have two different diagnoses under the World Trade Center program,” he revealed, referring to the federal program that provides monitoring and treatment for survivors, responders and others directly affected in New York, in the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
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“It is difficult to believe that almost a quarter of a century has passed since that day, when radical Islamic terrorism attacked the heart of our city and our country,” Shawn said.
“It is a philosophy that basically hates our principles, our freedoms, which represents our nation. That has not decreased, and today, again, we all meet here to remember what was lost.”
Eric Shawn of News revealed its diagnosis of cancer and its bronchitis problems related to exposure to toxic dust of September 11. (David Surowiecki/Getty Images; News)
The tragedy extends far beyond that day, emphasized.
“While 2,977 people were killed here that day, the number that died of diseases related to 9/11 has increased from the toxic dust that was released,” Shawn said.
“We are all together in this.”
According to CDC data, 48,000 people have reported cancers related to 9/11, with almost 10,000 diagnoses last year.
On this day in history, on September 11, 2001, the United States experiences the worst terrorist attack in American history
More than 3,700 to respond have died since September 11, including 2,300 that had cancer. The New York City Fire Department has been hit especially hard, with 409 of its members lost due to diseases after September 11.
“While 2,977 people were killed here that day, the number that died of related diseases of September 11 has increased from the toxic dust that was released,” Shawn said. (Robert Giroux/Getty images)
For Shawn, statistics are deeply personal, since it suffers from respiratory problems and cancer directly related to attacks. But, he says, he is one of the lucky ones.
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“I think of all those who were killed that day and those who continue to suffer from that philosophy, that is not diminished. We have to condemn it. We have to despise it. We will never forget it.”
“If you were under Channel Street, basically, you were exposed to dust,” Shawn said. (Istock)
The impact on health reaches far beyond lifeguards, Shawn said.
“If you were under Channel Street, basically, you were exposed to dust. I was here informing about him. That is what happened to me. I want to say, I have a lot, very fortunate. I think of all those who suffer much more … I have lost some friends of this, of course.”
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Shawn’s own diagnosis occurred decades later, in the form of a respiratory problem related to bronchitis and then a diagnosis of cancer only this year.
“At that time, I remember thinking, maybe in 20, 30 years later, I will get something. Well, here is 24 years.”
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Shawn emphasized the importance of joining as a nation: “We are all together in this. I mean, we are. We are all in it together.”
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.