A Daily News report on the problems posed in developing the Rikers Island site if and when the jail complex closes because of the presence of methane gas quickly led to a follow-up story in which more than two dozen correction officers both past and present told The News they believed the toxins in the air may have contributed to serious health problems for them and some colleagues.
They cited cases of deaths among colleagues from cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at uncommonly early ages, with one ex-officer, Diego Diaz, telling the newspaper, “We’re talking about people in their early 40s…That’s not a coincidence. Rikers is a health hazard, and people won’t talk about it.”
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