Journalist diagnosed with cancer caused by reporting on 9/11 24 years ago
A journalist who reported on 9/11 more than two decades ago has been diagnosed with cancer.
Fox News reporter Eric Shawn has revealed he's tragically been diagnosed with cancer after reporting on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The attacks that fateful day killed almost 3,000 people when two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan and reduced it to rubble.
A third plane also crashed into the Pentagon while passengers on a fourth fought the Al-Qaeda hijackers back, instead perishing when the jet crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.
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As well as taking the lives of those on board the planes, workers in the World Trade Center in New York and first responders on the scene, thousands of survivors have since been referred to a federal health program in recent years, reporting illnesses due to exposure from carcinogens.
Asbestos, jet fuel and mercury swarmed the surrounding streets in the aftermath of the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground.
Shawn likewise believes he has become one such victim, stating he suffers from respiratory problems caused by inhaling the toxins in huge plumes of dust while reporting from the scene.
During a live broadcast on the 24th anniversary of the devastating attacks at the World Trade Center, the 68-year-old candidly spoke about his own health issues from reporting all those years ago.
"It is hard to believe that it has been nearly a quarter of a century since that day," Shawn said. "Today, again, we all gather here to remember what was lost."
"While 2,977 people were murdered here that day, the number who have died from 9/11-related illnesses has increased from the toxic dust that was released,” he added.
The veteran reporter cited the CDC, which finds 48,000 people have reported suffering from 9/11-related cancers, some 10,000 of which have come to light in just the past year.
In addition, more than 3,700 emergency service workers have died since the attack, including 2,300 from cancer.
"I have two different diagnoses under the World Trade Center Health program," Shawn said, referring to the federal health scheme that provides treatment to those affected.
His diagnosis includes cancer and bronchitis, though fortunately he says he considers himself 'lucky' to still be standing today.
"If you were below Canal Street, basically, you were exposed to the dust. I was here reporting on it. That’s what happened with me,” he said.
“I mean, I’m very, very lucky. I think of all those who are suffering much greater… I’ve lost a few friends from this, of course."
The anchor continued: "Back then, I remember thinking, maybe in 20, 30 years I'll get something. Well, here it is, 24 years. But I think of everyone who suffered far greater than I.
"We’re all in this together. I mean, we are. We are all in it together," he concluded.
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