Journalists sickened by 9/11?
David Handschuh, a photographer at The New York Daily News (and three-time Pulitzer nominee -- but who's counting?), called this week. We discussed a very important issue potentially affecting thousands of journalists who spent long hours covering Ground Zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
According to subsequent message from David:
"New York State passed a law that extends until 8/14/08 the time for 'Rescue and Recovery Workers' to file for Workers Comp for injuries sustained while working at the World Trade Center.
"This is a VERY good thing that will help many people, but it unfortunately excludes journalists -- reporters, photographers, producers, correspondents and others in the media who covered the attack for months afterwards.
"Along with the several press groups, I am attempting to:
- Identify media members who are currently suffering from health issues as a result of 9/11 coverage.
- Identify media members who covered the event and are concerned over future health issues
- Get media members who covered the attack to fill out and submit the 'WTC12' form that those who covered the attack to get coverage in the event of future health issues
- Track NY State's Worker's Comp Board responses, either accepting or rejecting these submissions
- Lobby the Governor's office and Legislature to offer statutory ammendments that would assure the inclusion of Journalists.
"I need your assistance in getting a handle on how many media members have health concerns over their 9/11 exposure. Please pass this note to Journalist friends or co-workers. Have people contact me at H2Photo@Optonline.net or by phone at (212) 210-2344.
"I am also looking for volunteers to assist with gathering legislative support in New York City. Together I believe that we can get health protection for members of our community who informed the public and recorded history on 9/11/01 and for months and months after.
Thanks!"