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(CBS/AP)  New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the special master of the 9/11 compensation fund are urging ground zero workers to settle thousands of lawsuits over health problems caused by World Trade Center dust.

Lawyers for about 10,000 workers tentatively worked out a settlement in the spring. It could be worth $625 million to $712.5 million, depending on how many people take the deal.

Some cleanup workers with respiratory problems would qualify for tens of thousands of dollars in compensation. A few with more serious illnesses linked to the dust could get $1 million or more.

The mayor and 9/11 claims overseer Kenneth Feinberg were scheduled to appear together Tuesday to repeat their plea for workers to settle.

The deal only takes effect if 95 percent of all plaintiffs say yes.

Photos: Ground Zero Health Crisis
Watch: Voices of Sick 9/11 Responders

Last week, the House passed a bill to provide up to $7.4 billion to workers sickened during cleanup of the World Trade Center site.

The bill would provide free health care and compensation to 9/11 rescue and recovery workers who fell ill after working in the trade center ruins.






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