WTC SCIENCE ...
Last updated: 2:17 am
July 6, 2008
Posted: 2:00 am
July 6, 2008
The NYS September 11th Workers' Protection Taskforce and its rigorous and balanced efforts are mischaracterized by Jeff Stier ("Exploiting 9/11," PostOpinion, June 26).
Contrary to Stier's assertions, the Taskforce used gold-standard science in coming to its conclusions. FDNY has complete medical findings on virtually every firefighter, before and after 9/11 - demonstrating real, new and serious increases in respiratory, gastrointestinal and psychological disorders with clear-cut correlation with exposure.
The Taskforce made several modest recommendations to align legislation with the lawmakers' intent, all reflecting best available science.
It should be understood that eligibility for presumption of WTC-causation of disability does not automatically result in pension benefits. Workers must show not just that a WTC-related physical or psychological condition exists, but that disability results.
The Taskforce is unbiased. It has representatives of government, unions and scientists. Our unanimous recommendations represent considered and balanced compromises among the differing perspectives. These are issues of fairness, not politics.
Thomas Aldrich
Chair, New York State September 11th Workers' Protection Task Force,
Manhattan
