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October 12, 2008 3:31:30 PM CDT

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9/11 Illnesses Haunt Journalists

Posted Mar 12, 08 11:52 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – The helicopter ride through the burning World Trader Center's thick, chemical-laden smoke won Keith Meyers' 9/11 photos a share of the Pulitzer, but he says it cost him his health and career. "I could feel my skin tingling and burning," recalls the former New York Times photographer. Like Meyers, many journalists suffer illnesses matching those of Ground Zero workers, but their plight has drawn less attention—even in the media, reports Photo District News.

The New York Press Photographers Association is lobbying to extend the 9/11-related workers' comp deadline for journalists, on the heels of a survey that reported asthma, persistent coughing, and PTSD among 161 journalists. Still, Meyers says he has no regrets about covering Ground Zero, “but if I did again I would be a hell of a lot more careful.”

Source Photo District News

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The smoke that blanketed Ground Zero, shown in this photo, contained many carcinogens that have caused illnesses to journalists.   ((c) jebb)
The smoke released from the Twin Towers collapse has caused breathing problems for Ground Zero workers and journalists.   (paulaob (YouTube))
World Trade Center wreckage is seen in New York in this Sept. 29, 2001, file photo. The smoke that lingered for days has caused environmental illnesses to Ground Zero journalists and workers.   (Associated Press)
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New York City  • cancer  • media  • September 11  • journalist  • PTSD  • World Trade Center  • Ground Zero  • asthma  • Twin Towers


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