Emergency workers who responded to the 9/11 attacks continue to report all manner of health problems. However, other workers in lower Manhattan are also suffering from health problems related to the attacks.
According to the CDC, approximately 400,000 workers, residents, building occupants, and passersby were exposed to the toxic dust cloud created by the attacks. The dust contained construction materials, soot, paint, glass fibers, asbestos, and other harmful substances. Some building superintendents have reported finding dust buildup from this cloud years after the attack.
Exposure to large amounts of this dust would result in health problems developing sooner rather than later. This is why cases first started to appear in first responders. Exposure to smaller amounts of dust over a longer period of time may delay the onset of health problems. Office workers and others who work and live in lower Manhattan should be aware of possible 9/11-related health issues, such as:
- Asthma
- Gastroesophageal disease
- PTSD
- Cancer
The World Trade Center Health Registry’s 2019 report also noted that many people who suffered an injury on 9/11 had experienced physical health problems in the subsequent years. There has also been a link between exposure to toxic dust and an increased risk of stroke.
It’s important to remember that the 9/11 Compensation fund is not just for first responders and their families. It’s also designed to help workers, residents, school students, and others who were in the Exposure Zone. A skilled legal professional can help explore your options if you have suffered ill health effects following the 9/11 attacks.
