Breathing Mask
- Description
- ResMed "nasal pillow" breathing mask with a blue fabric headband and clear plastic nasal "pillows." A short gray accordion breathing tube is attached.
- Historical Notes
- This breathing mask was used by Joe Agron, a retired NYPD officer, to treat breathing ailments caused by his participation during the recovery period at Ground Zero.
Curator's Comment
More than 400,000 people are estimated to have been exposed to toxins in lower Manhattan on 9/11 or during recovery operations at Ground Zero. Tens of thousands nationwide now suffer from chronic illnesses, including lung diseases, mental health issues, and numerous types of cancer. Thousands of those exposed have died.
Husband and wife José (Joe) and Sonia Agron participated in the recovery effort. Joe, an NYPD officer, worked at Ground Zero and at emergency command and family assistance centers at Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan. Sonia, a former EMS specialist, volunteered with the American Red Cross at a respite center near the World Trade Center.
Since then, the couple has faced a range of health problems. Sonia has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease, among other ailments. Joe’s illnesses include sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and bladder cancer.
Husband and wife José (Joe) and Sonia Agron participated in the recovery effort. Joe, an NYPD officer, worked at Ground Zero and at emergency command and family assistance centers at Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan. Sonia, a former EMS specialist, volunteered with the American Red Cross at a respite center near the World Trade Center.
Since then, the couple has faced a range of health problems. Sonia has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease, among other ailments. Joe’s illnesses include sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and bladder cancer.
- Accession Number: C.2017.152.29
- Dimensions: unavailable
- Sources: Jose Agron, Sonia Agron
- Credit Line: Gift of Joe and Sonia Agron
First RespondersHealth EffectsNever Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. New York City Police Department (NYPD)Rescue and Recovery
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