Health effects arising from the September 11 attacks

Health Effects Arising from the September 11 Attacks

The health effects arising from the September 11 attacks include both physical and mental health conditions that have been linked to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, USA, on September 11, 2001. These health effects have affected survivors, first responders, and those who lived or worked in the vicinity of the attacks.

Physical Health Effects

The physical health effects of the September 11 attacks are primarily due to exposure to dust and airborne toxins released during the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. These include respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and World Trade Center cough; cancers, particularly lung cancer and mesothelioma; and other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Respiratory Conditions

The dust from the collapsed towers contained a mix of toxic substances including asbestos, lead, and pulverized concrete. This has led to a high incidence of respiratory conditions among those exposed. The most common of these is World Trade Center cough, a specific medical condition characterized by a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Cancers

A significant increase in cancers, particularly lung cancer and mesothelioma, has been observed among those exposed to the dust from the World Trade Center. The dust contained carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, which is known to cause mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Mental Health Effects

The mental health effects of the September 11 attacks include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders. These have affected not only those directly involved in the attacks, but also those who witnessed the events on television or had a loved one who was involved.

Treatment and Support

Treatment for the health effects arising from the September 11 attacks is provided through the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders at the World Trade Center and related sites in New York City, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA.

See Also

• World Trade Center Health Program
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Mesothelioma