Immediately after the 9/11 disaster, EPA and the White House told us the air was "safe" to breathe, but we know now from the EPA's Inspector General that conclusion was not supported by evidence. EPA knew that potentially hazardous levels of asbestos and other contaminants were present, yet deleted cautionary statements at the express command of the White House. As a result, thousands of citizens and workers already struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the terrorist actions at ground zero, continued to unknowingly place their health at risk by breathing and working in areas contaminated by asbestos, lead, glass fibers, PCBs and many other hazardous and toxic substances. For them, EPA's reassuring statements have very real, and negative, consequences.

The heroes and victims of 9/11 deserve better. Thousands of volunteers, firefighters and rescue workers heeded the Nation's call and rushed to New York to provide aid and comfort to those in need. They now find themselves at significant risk of adverse health effects. According to the EPA IG report, several studies have indicated increased lung and respiratory ailments among firefighters and rescue and recovery workers. I am appalled that these workers, who came from around the nation, including from Michigan, were needlessly exposed to health risks as a result of the unjustified EPA statements.

We need Congressional investigations to examine this matter and to follow the facts -- wherever they may lead.