FDNY union leaders demand answers after discovery of documents about toxins at World Trade Center site after 9/11 attacks

NEW YORK — Members of the New York City Fire Department and union leaders held an emergency rally in Manhattan on Monday afternoon over the discovery of previously undisclosed records about ground zero.

They are demanding answers after it was revealed that first responders were exposed to toxins on 9/11 that the city knew about but never shared.

Officials say 68 previously undisclosed boxes containing information on the 9/11 toxins were found after legislation was ordered demanding a probe into what and when the city knew about toxins at ground zero.

Union officials say the information in those documents contained critical “life-and-death” data.

Officials say the documents prove city leaders at the time of the attack were aware there was asbestos in the air, but intentionally hid the information.

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“They had real testing done. And when that testing was done, it was suppressed. And everyone was told the air was safe; people would have made different choices,” an official said.

Since the 9/11 attacks, 400 members of the FDNY have died from illnesses linked to ground zero toxins.

A spokesperson with City Hall said they remain dedicated to the victims and their families and the answers they need.

“As one of the many first responders at Ground Zero on 9/11 and in the weeks that followed, Mayor Adams has been unwavering in his commitment to ensuring victims, their families, first responders, and survivors receive the care and services they deserve,” the spokesperson said. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of pending litigation, the city has begun turning over documents to plaintiff’s counsel, and both parties are working out a schedule to continue this process. We remain dedicated to getting 9/11 victims and their families the answers they need, and thank the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our city safe.”