Gary Howard, a retired Lieutenant from FDNY Rescue Company 2, says there’s no doubt in his mind that the cancer he has is a direct result of the time he spent cleaning up after the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 – but even so, he says he wouldn’t change a thing about how he came to New York City’s aid after the attacks.
Gary says that during the time he spent helping with the clean up efforts, he rarely wore any protective equipment. At most, he wore a surgical mask. “There’s no doubt in my mind that’s what caused the cancer. I myself, I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it all over again. I’d be there.”
Gary’s word of warning to fellow firefighters? Always wear your mask, and get your 9/11 medical screening every year. If you are concerned about your exposure to toxins on and after 9/11, visit cdc.gov/WTC to see if you’re eligible for a free screening and health care.
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Gary Howard, a retired Lieutenant from FDNY Rescue Company 2, says there’s no doubt in his mind that the cancer he has is a direct result of the time he spent cleaning up after the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001 – but even so, he says he wouldn’t change a thing about how he came to New York City’s aid after the attacks.
Gary says that during the time he spent helping with the clean up efforts, he rarely wore any protective equipment. At most, he wore a surgical mask. “There’s no doubt in my mind that’s what caused the cancer. I myself, I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it all over again. I’d be there.”
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