Everybody was there doing something
There were an estimated 100,000 first responders in the area affected by the toxins through May 2002, and an estimated 400,000 workers, students and residents were also in the exposure zone, most of whom have not registered with the fund, according to Barasch & McGarry.
Restaurant workers could also be among the most at risk of missing out and not registering by July.
Drew Nieporent, a New York restaurateur, was in the exposure zone within a couple days of 9/11 helping to feed first responders. He said there was little worry that the air was toxic despite the dust and smell.