5 Health Conditions Covered by the World Trade Center Health Program

The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. However, those who died in the immediate event weren’t the only people to lose their lives. As the years passed, many people exposed to deadly toxins from building collapses became ill, some even terminally. 

9/11 has claimed countless lives, and even more than two decades later, Americans are still picking up the pieces. However, if you have been diagnosed with some of the following illnesses related to being in a 9/11 Exposure Zone, you might be eligible for support and financial assistance through the World Trade Center Health Program and September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. 

Cancer

Whether you have been diagnosed with 9/11-related uterine cancer, childhood cancer, a rare cancer, or another type, you might be eligible for medically necessary monitoring and treatment. The WTC Health Program provides a wide range of support options for people diagnosed with cancer after exposure to deadly toxins from September 11, 2001, until May 30, 2002. However, a minimum latency period is required to prove that your cancer diagnosis is related to 9/11:   

• 146 days for blood cancers
• One year for childhood cancer
• 2.5 years for thyroid cancers
• 11 years for mesothelioma
• Four years for all other solid cancer types 

Acute Traumatic Injuries

The hazards and adverse conditions associated with the tragic events surrounding 9/11 took their toll on those in and around the World Trade Center. Many people experienced burns, sprains, head trauma, eye injuries, fractures, and more. 

If you experienced an acute traumatic injury during 9/11, you might be eligible for support and financial assistance. Consult a lawyer specializing in World Trade Center cases to learn more about eligibility criteria. 

Aerodigestive Disorders

Aerodigestive disorders are airway and digestive conditions affecting the upper digestive tract and breathing airways. Many illnesses can fit into this category, such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic laryngitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

Most aerodigestive disorders seen in New York City WTC-exposed people had a common underlying pathophysiology involving aerodigestive tract mucosal inflammation. Many people living, working, or studying around the World Trade Center experienced acute and chronic inflammation, resulting in decreased lung function and long-term airway obstruction. 

Musculoskeletal Disorders

If you were a World Trade Center responder, you likely put a lot of stress on your body related to repetitive joint strain and heavy lifting. That’s why the WTC Health Program provides support for responders experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, and various musculoskeletal disorders. 

Mental Health Conditions

Not all illnesses related to 9/11 were physical. The events of September 11, 2001, also took a mental toll. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition affecting your mood, thinking, and behavior, you might be eligible for support. A number of conditions are covered under the WTC Health Program, including: 

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorder 

Thousands of lives were impacted by 9/11, and they continue to be even more than 20 years later. If you have experienced a physical or mental health condition relating to the World Trade Center, now might be the right time to seek legal help to learn more about your support options.