It has taken more than 20 years to gain a clear understanding of the long-term health effects associated with 9/11: cancer, disease, and illness. While it is widely known that the health effects of the attacks include more than 70 types of cancer, a variety of non-cancer diseases that emerged from 9/11 affected thousands of responders as well as the entire population of downtown civilian offices and other employees, residents, and students.
Many of these diseases include respiratory and digestive disorders, including COPD, sarcoidosis, and interstitial lung disease—conditions that often go undiagnosed for years (or even decades) after exposure to toxic dust from 9/11.
Exposure to Toxins Led to A Myriad of Health Issues
When the World Trade Center buildings collapsed, the rubble released a huge cloud of dust and debris containing many harmful substances, including asbestos, lead, aviation fuel, heavy metals, crushed concrete, and other toxic substances.
This deadly mixture was inhaled by thousands of people throughout Lower Manhattan, all the way to Houston Street. As cleanup and recovery operations continued into mid-2002 and the toxic cloud remained in the Manhattan air, many first responders and staff/residents/students were exposed to these hazardous substances.
This exposure is directly related to the many health problems that have since been experienced by those who lived, worked, studied, or were otherwise present during and in the year following the terrorist attacks.
Respiratory Disease, Including Asthma
One of the most common non-cancerous complications of the September 11 terrorist attacks is respiratory disease.
Due to massive exposure to dust and smoke, many people experienced severe coughing, shortness of breath, coryza, sinusitis, and other respiratory symptoms after the attacks. Inhalation of chemicals released by the fire caused severe damage to the respiratory tract.
Over time, some survivors and responders developed chronic infections such as asthma, COPD, rhinosinusitis, and other respiratory diseases. According to the CDC, the occurrence of asthma among responders and survivors is 30%, much higher than the national average, and sinusitis occurs in approximately 40% of responders and survivors of 9/11. Population.
Materials such as asbestos, which were used in the building of the Twin Towers, led to asbestosis, a chronic lung disease with signs such as squatness of breath, chest pain, and an obstinate dry cough.
Silicosis is another potential consequence of inhaling fine silica dust from poured concrete. This condition damages the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Other Gastrointestinal Conditions
Another very common condition facing 9/11 survivors and responders is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is a stomach illness in which stomach acid continually leaks into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, causing symptoms such as heartburn, stomach and chest pain, dysphagia, laryngitis, and new or worsening shortness of breath.
After the September 11 terrorist attacks, a significant number of naked people began to exhibit symptoms of GERD.
In addition, other gastrointestinal illnesses, likely caused by ingestion of contaminated toxins, were also common among 9/11 participants and survivors.
PTSD and Other Mental Health Effects
The terrorist occurrences of September 11, 2001, affected more than just physical health; The emotional and psychological damage was enormous and, for many, long-lasting. PTSD has become a common condition among those who witnessed the events firsthand, lost loved ones, or participated in rescue and recovery efforts.
PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and insomnia are among the mental health consequences faced by 9/11 survivors and responders. For countless people, the emotional scars of that day remain, affecting their lives for years after the attacks.
Impact on First Responders from Outside NYC
While the brave men and women of the NYPD, the FDNY, and the Port Authority are often at the forefront of discussions about 9/11 first responders, it is important to remember that many responders came from places outside of New York City.
Firefighters, police officers, and emergency services workers from neighboring states and even other places rushed to Manhattan to help with rescue efforts following the attacks.
These people, no matter where they come from, are equally at risk for 9/11-related illnesses and are equally deserving of support and compensation. They returned to their home states and cities, often exhibiting the physical and emotional scars of their experiences when responding to Ground Zero.
The Road to Diagnosis and Treatment
For many 9/11 responders and rescuers, the road to proper diagnosis and treatment was long and difficult.
Due to the unique and unprecedented nature of the attacks and subsequent exposure to multiple toxins, many had initial doubts or were misdiagnosed when presenting with health problems in the months and years following 9/11.
Effective and comprehensive treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, cardiologists, and mental health specialists. Early identification and handling of these conditions can lead to better products and improved quality of life.
Why Legal Support is Vital
Besides the obvious challenge of handling complex compensation claims, legal support is important for another reason: advocacy.
Having an experienced 9/11 attorney on your side will do more than help you with paperwork and filing. You get a powerful advocate who can fight for your rights, ensuring you receive adequate compensation.
In many cases, 9/11 responders and survivors face challenges when attempting to prove the connection between their health conditions and their post-attack exposure. A 9/11 medical and compensation claim lawyer can provide valuable assistance in gathering evidence and presenting a strong case.
How a 9/11 Attorney Can Help
It is important for those living with 9/11-related conditions to know that there is support available. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health Care and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act) was designed to provide medical care and handling, as well as financial support, to those affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The Zadroga Act established two programs: the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides financial compensation to those affected by the attacks, and the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which offers medical follow-up and treatment to 9/11 survivors and respondents.
By consulting an experienced 9/11 attorney, you can:
- Understand the scope of the WTC health program and how it applies to your unique health situation.
- Go through the complex claims process, ensuring all documents and evidence are in place.
- Maximize the compensation to which you are entitled as quickly as possible, considering medical bills, loss of income, government benefits, and other relevant factors.
Although the non-cancer health consequences of 9/11 may not always be the focus, they remain significant or debilitating for many 9/11 survivors and responders.
Victims deserve support, treatment, and financial compensation. Obtaining these benefits can be a simple and streamlined process with the right legal support.