It took more than 20 years to get a clear picture of the long-term health effects associated with 9/11. cancer, illness, illness. While it is widely known that the lingering health effects of the attacks include more than 70 types of cancer, 9/11 caused a variety of non-cancer illnesses to affect thousands of responders, downtown It is affecting civilian and other workers, residents, and students as a whole.
Many of these diseases include respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases such as COPD, sarcoidosis, and interstitial pneumonia. These illnesses are often not diagnosed until years (or even decades) after exposure to the toxic dust of 9/11.
Exposure to toxins causes a myriad of health problems
When the WTC building collapsed, its destruction released a huge cloud of toxic dust and debris containing numerous hazardous substances including asbestos, lead, jet fuel, heavy metals, crushed concrete, and other toxic substances .
This deadly mixture was inhaled by thousands of people across Lower Manhattan and as far north as Houston Street. As the cleanup and recovery efforts continued into his mid-2002, and toxic clouds lingered over Manhattan, more and more responders, workers, residents, and students were exposed to these toxic substances.
This exposure is directly related to a variety of health problems experienced since by those who lived, worked, studied, or were otherwise present during the terrorist attack and in the year following the terrorist attack. doing.
Respiratory diseases including asthma
One of the most common non-cancerous health effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is respiratory disease.
Due to the enormous exposure to pollutants in dust and combustion gases, many people experienced severe coughs, shortness of breath, acute rhinitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory symptoms immediately after the attack. Inhalation of chemicals released in the fire caused acute damage to the respiratory tract.
Over time, some survivors and responders developed chronic illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinosinusitis, and other chronic respiratory illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)the incidence of asthma among responders and survivors is 30%, significantly higher than the national average, and approximately 40% of 9/11 responders and survivors have sinusitis.
Materials used in the construction of the Twin Towers, such as asbestos, caused asbestosis, a chronic lung disease with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and a persistent dry cough.
Silicosis is another potential consequence, resulting from inhalation of fine silica dust from tons of crushed concrete. This condition damages the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal diseases
Another very common illness experienced by 9/11 survivors and responders is: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Reflux esophagitis is a gastrointestinal disease in which stomach acid frequently backs up into the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, causing symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, laryngitis, and new or worsening asthma.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, a significant number of exposed individuals began exhibiting symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Additionally, other gastrointestinal illnesses, likely caused by ingestion of contaminants, are also prevalent among 9/11 responders and survivors.
PTSD and other mental health effects
The September 11, 2001 attacks weren’t just about physical health. For many, the emotional and psychological trauma was immense and lasting. PTSD became a common illness among those who witnessed the event firsthand, those who lost loved ones, and those who participated in rescue and recovery efforts.
The mental health effects experienced by 9/11 survivors and responders include PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and sleep disorders. For countless people, the emotional scars of that day remain and have affected their lives for years since the attack.
Impact on first responders from outside New York City
The brave men and women of the NYPD, New York City, New York, and the Port Authority are often at the forefront of discussions about 9/11 first responders, but many responders came from outside New York City. It’s important to remember.
Firefighters, police officers and paramedics from neighboring states and further afield rushed to Manhattan to assist with rescue and recovery efforts after the attack.
Regardless of where they come from, these people are equally at risk for health conditions related to 9/11 and are equally entitled to assistance and compensation. They returned to their home states and cities carrying the physical and psychological scars they experienced in response to Ground Zero.
The path to diagnosis and treatment
For many responders and survivors of 9/11, the path to proper diagnosis and treatment was long and difficult.
The unique and unprecedented nature of the attacks and the subsequent exposure to myriad toxins left many people initially skeptical or skeptical when experiencing health problems in the months and years after 9/11. I faced a misdiagnosis.
Effective and comprehensive treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving pulmonologists, cardiologists, mental health professionals, and more. Early recognition and treatment of these conditions leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Why legal support is important
Beyond the obvious challenge of navigating the complex claims process, legal support is important for another reason: advocacy.
With a dedicated and knowledgeable 9/11 attorney on your side, you can do more than just complete the paperwork and process your application. You will have strong representation who will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
9/11 responders and survivors often face the challenge of proving a link between health conditions and post-attack exposures. A lawyer specializing in 9/11 health and compensation claims can provide valuable assistance in gathering evidence and building a strong case.
9/11 How can lawyers help?
For those suffering from 9/11-related health conditions, it’s important to know there is support available. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Act (Zadoroga Act) is intended to provide medical surveillance and treatment, as well as financial assistance, to those affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The Zadroga Law established two programs: 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF)Provide financial compensation to those affected by the attack. World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP)providing medical surveillance and treatment to 9/11 survivors and responders.
By working with an experienced 9/11 attorney, you can:
- Understand the full scope of the WTC Health Program and how it relates to your specific health condition.
- Navigate the complex claims process while ensuring all documentation and evidence is in place.
- Maximize the compensation you are entitled to in the minimum amount of time by considering medical expenses, loss of income, government benefits, and other relevant factors.
Although the non-cancerous health effects of 9/11 are not necessarily at the forefront of discussion, they remain significant or debilitating for many 9/11 survivors and responders. No change.
Those affected need support, treatment and financial compensation.with rights legal supportthe process of accessing these benefits will be smoother and more streamlined.
About the author:
Stacey Smith is a freelance health writer. She is passionate about her writing on women’s health, dental health, diabetes, endocrinology, and nutrition, and she provides in-depth features on the latest health news for clinics and health magazines.