New Information About the Health Impact of WTC Dust
The New York Times reported on May 24 that New York's chief medical examiner has directly linked the death of a Lower Manhattan employee to exposure to World Trade Center dust. This formal connection raises the official 9/11-related death toll to 2750, and also stirs debate about the necessity to review other such deaths, like that of James Zadroga who died last year at age 34. To read more, download the article or click here.
The New York Times reported on July 18 that the cost for treating Ground Zero-related illness could increase almost exponentially over the next few years, such that the proposed $50 million in budgeted federal funds will not be adequate for any long-term care. You can download that article here.
It is probable that many people, particularly recovery workers who spent significant time at Ground Zero in the early stages of the clean-up effort, have already succumbed to respiratory illnesses that are a direct consequence of their exposure. No concise, conclusive report has been written about this to date, but there is anecdotal evidence from several agencies throughout the area.
The New York State Department of Health, in cooperation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, is collecting data on all deaths that occur after 9/11 among WTC responders (persons who worked on the WTC site anytime between 9/11/01 and 6/30/02, including barge and morgue workers). Findings will contribute to knowledge about WTC health effects and maybe helpful in improving medical treatment for other WTC responders and responders in the event of future disasters. For more information or to report a death, call 518-402-7900 or email khg01@health.state.ny.us.
If you (or someone you know) worked for any length of time as part of the recovery effort, you must register with the Worker's Compensation Board by August 14, 2008 to preserve your right to ever file a 9/11-related claim should you become sick in the future. For a WTC-12 form, call 877-632-4996 or download one from the Worker's Compensation Board. Even if you are in perfect health now, if you do not register you relinquish your right to file a claim for any future 9/11-related illness.
If you would like to take part in a WTC-related study, consider one of the following:
- Cornell University is studying psychological/brain responses to the WTC disaster. Those who escaped one of the Towers, were in the immediate area, or took part in the initial rescue effot maybe be eligible to participate. Call 212-746-3782 for more information.
- WTC Evacuation Study (HEED): British fire safety researchers are seeking face-to-face interviews with people who were evacuated from the Twin Towers on 9/11. The team is looking to improve building regulations, designs, and evacuation procedures around the world. For more, visit www.wtc-evacuation.com or call 212-484-1329.
- Columbia University is seeking to identify the mental health needs of children of first responders (EMT, police, fire) and WTC evacuees. Children may have been indirectly exposed to trauma through their parents' WTC experiences. First responders and evacuees with a child currently between the ages of 9-15 year smay be eligible to participate in a face-to-face interview. For more information, call 800-774-8448 or email Dr. Christina Hoven at ch42@columbia.edu.
NYDIS, an LDRNY partner, has posted a comprehensive list of resources- including medical screening and treatment programs. The list is updated regularly.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney ( D-NY) issued this press release, Administration’s Top 9/11 Health Official’s Testimony Draws Concern from NY-area Delegation, regarding the New York delegation's demand for answers about the federal World Trade Center task force’s funding recommendations.
Learn more about 9/11 Health Effects and read Senator Clinton’s statements here.
Read about Jeffrey Hon, Mayor Bloomberg's newly appointed WTC Health Czar, and special Health Panel.
Marking the sixth anniversary of 9/11, the NYC Health Department has launched a website to provide up-to-date scientific information about the disaster’s lingering health effects, and to highlight the services available to those affected. It also includes easily accessible research findings and treatment options for the different groups of affected people: rescue and recovery workers, residents, children, city employees and others.
A tremendous amount of 9/11-health information is currently being compiled and reported by the news media, medical professionals, social services administrators, and federal and local officials. This site may not include the most recent information.
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