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BY TRACY PFEIFFER

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

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A new government report suggests cancer -- should not be covered under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

The Zadroga Act allocates a fund to provide assistance and compensation to 9/11 first responders, rescue workers, and those who lived near Ground Zero because of their exposure to the toxic debris left behind by the World Trade Center. (Video: WNYW)

“Margaret Stroehlein’s husband, 47-year-old firefighter Jeffrey Stroehlein, was diagnosed with lymphoma in March. the family was hoping the victim compensation fund would help pay their sky-rocketing medical bills. But a new study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says there’s insufficient evidence to link cancer to the toxins released at the World Trade Center site.” (NY1)

So because of the finding -- those diagnosed with cancer might not receive the funds.

But The New York Times reports -- it might simply be too early to prove a link between exposure to the debris and cancer.

“[The report] said that there was very little evidence to go on, as there have only been 18 published research studies on the attack that even mentioned cancer, and only five of those were peer-reviewed. The results of the peer-reviewed studies were mixed.”

But one 9/11 advocate tells New York Daily News -- that’s cold comfort.

“Fifty-one of the 53 funerals I have been to were cancer. I don’t care how many years of college you have, I will argue with you the reality is people are dying from cancer and they got it from breathing the air down there ... The studies that are in the works now, will show that. It’s just hard to tell sick people who have been waiting 10 years to be patient some more.

So what is covered under the Zadroga Act? The Daily Mail reports.

“Currently only those suffering from health problems caused by the attacks, including asthma, interstitial lung disease and mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, can receive government support for treatment.”

Under the Act’s provisions, the issue will be revisited in 2012.

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