Health officials study long-term effects of 9/11 attacks as more people die from toxic exposure than on the day of the event
Health officials are continuing to study the long-term health impacts of the September 11, 2001, attacks 25 years after the event. Research indicates that the health toll continues to grow, with more people dying from illnesses linked to toxic dust and debris exposure at Ground Zero than were killed on the day of the attacks. Doctors are identifying emerging issues such as early-onset dementia and pulmonary fibrosis, which can take 20 to 30 years to manifest after severe exposure to asbestos and silica. The World Trade Center Health Program is expanding its scope to include survivors, local workers, and residents exposed to the dust and trauma. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund is seeing an increase in applications, receiving over 800 new claims per month. Survivors must be certified by the World Trade Center Health Program to qualify for the fund. New documents released by New York City leaders show that health officials continued to find evidence of asbestos at least 10 months after the attacks, providing further evidence of the lingering effects of the toxic air and ground conditions.
Sources
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25 years after 9/11, survivors face emerging health risks
wshu.org
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25 years later, the toll of 9/11-related illnesses continues to grow
WBAL-TV
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CT survivors still fighting 25 years after 9/11 toxic exposure
WFSB