The long-running battle affecting the thousands whose health suffered while responding to clean up efforts at the World Trade Center site may have been resolved. First responders who were stricken with cancer after breathing the toxic ash that permeated the air in lower Manhattan could qualify for free treatment. Federal health officials proposed a rule Friday that would cover first responders under the 9/11Compensation Fund. Cancer was originally excluded from the qualifying ailments. However, after months of study, a government panel said it favors a major expansion of the $4.3 billion program to include individuals with 50 types of cancer.

The rule will be open for public comment before being finalized.