(09/08/06) MANHATTAN ? A New Jersey father testified on ground zero health effects Friday in Manhattan to ensure some good comes from his son?s death.

Little Egg Harbor resident Joseph Zadroga lost his son, a New York City police officer, to lung disease attributed to ground zero exposure. Zadroga told lawmakers the federal government is spending too much time studying health effects and not enough time working to treat illnesses. Friday?s meeting took place on the heels of a Mt. Sinai Medical Center report that stated seven out of 10 ground zero workers suffered lung problems.

The Bush administration has promised $75 million to treat 9/11 responders. However, rescuers and family members say much more funding is needed.

Former New Jersey governor and former Environmental Protection Agency head Christie Todd Whitman has also come under fire. She declared the air quality safe in lower Manhattan days after the 9/11 attacks. Whitman has responded to the recent scrutiny by stating New York City officials were responsible for ensuring workers had the proper breathing gear.