Police Detective's Death Attributed to 9/11 Dust Cloud

From the Associated Press:

A coroner's report released Tuesday found James Zadroga's death after developing respiratory disease was "directly related" to the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. Zadroga, of Little Egg Harbor, N.J., died Jan. 5.

Researchers say it will take decades to determine which illnesses and deaths among ground zero workers were caused by their exposure to the asbestos-laden dust cloud.

Unfortunately, a few politicians took the opportunity of Zadroga's autopsy results to posture and shill for votes:

Reps. Carolyn Maloney, D-Manhattan, Vito Fossella, R-Staten Island, and Christopher Shays, R-Conn., say the report should prompt more action from the federal government in screening and treating sick ground zero workers.

"It is truly sad," Maloney said in a statement, "that four and a half years after 9/11 the federal government still does not have a comprehensive plan to treat those who are suffering."

Detective Zadroga retired on disability in late 2004; the progression of his pulmonary problems was evidently swift and brutal. I'm not sure what federal involvement could have done to prevent his death, but I wouldn't wish having to deal with the Department of Labor on anybody.

The AP story says that a class action lawsuit has been filed, but doesn't mention the cause of action, or who the defendants are. One hopes that they have Saudi Arabia addresses.

Also posted at The Jawa Report and Vince Aut Morire.