Over two decades after the tragic 9/11 attacks, it’s clear that the event left behind a significant impact on the health of many people. You might’ve heard about the more than 70 types of cancer linked to the event. But that’s not all. A variety of non-cancerous diseases have also affected thousands, including responders, downtown office workers, locals, and students.
Among these disease are airway and digestive disorders like COPD, sarcoidosis, and interstitial lung disease. The catch is, these conditions typically are diagnosed years, or even decades, after the exposure to the harmful dust from 9/11.
Now, you’re probably wondering, what did this dust contain? When the World Trade Center collapsed, a huge cloud of toxic dust was released. This dust was a deadly cocktail of asbestos, lead, jet fuel, heavy metals, and concrete. And this cloud didn’t go away quickly – it stayed around Manhattan until mid-2002. That means many people breathed in this stuff, affecting not only responders and workers but also residents and students in the area.
Many health problems have been linked to this exposure. One of the most common ones is respiratory disease. A lot of people experienced severe coughing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms right after the attack due to the pollutants in the smoke and dust. Over time, chronic diseases such as asthma and COPD have developed in some survivors and responders. Shockingly, the occurrence of sinusitis and asthma among responders and survivors is higher than the national average.
In particular, two conditions, asbestosis and silicosis, stem from inhaling dust components. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos, which was used to build the Twin Towers. Silicosis comes from inhaling fine silica dust that was in the countless tons of pulverized concrete.
Another health issue many survivors and responders face is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and other stomach-related conditions. GERD is a painful condition where stomach acid flows back onto the esophagus, causing heartburn and other discomforts. After 9/11, a notable number of people started experiencing GERD symptoms.
Besides the physical damage, 9/11 also dealt a heavy emotional blow. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders are among the mental health issues many responders and survivors are dealing with.
Remember, 9/11’s first responders were not just from the NYPD and FDNY. Many helpers came from as far away as neighboring states. Those brave individuals also took home the physical and emotional scars of their time at Ground Zero.
Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for these 9/11-related health problems hasn’t been a smooth journey for everyone. Responders and survivors often faced skepticism or misdiagnosis initially due to the unique nature of the event and symptoms. These conditions need comprehensive care involving different experts for the best outcomes.
Ensure you have legal support because navigating the complex compensation claims process alone can be challenging. Having a dedicated 9/11 attorney can help gather evidence and emphasize the link between your health conditions and 9/11.
The law offers support to those suffering from 9/11-related health conditions through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act). This law handles both medical monitoring and financial support for those affected. An experienced 9/11 attorney can help you understand the benefits under the World Trade Center Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and ensure you get maximum compensation in minimal time.
If you’re struggling with any health issues linked to 9/11, remember you’re not alone. There’s place to turn to for support, medical care, and financial help. Seek out the right legal support to navigate these procedures more easily.
