The tragic consequences of 9/11 didn’t stop when the twin towers fell and the ruins cleared. Seven years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, many of the people who survived but were exposed to the smoke, dust and chemical fumes released by the attacks, suffer physical and mental problems.
A 2008 study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Services (NIEHS) noted that 62 percent of workers exposed to the hazardous materials and psychological trauma of the tragedy have substantial stress. Over eleven percent reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and an additional nine percent are clinically depressed.
Soon after 9/11, many people who breathed the air around the collapsed World Trade Center—not just firemen, policemen and other rescue workers—complained of respiratory problems. While many victims saw their symptoms subside over the years, twenty-five percent still complained of problems four years after the tragedy.
Many who weren’t directly connected to 9/11 but who live in New York City may not connect their health problems with the tragedy. For example, asthma rates have increased two to three times the expected rate for those living in lower Manhattan.
Officials see problems continuing and they fear a future increase in cancer rates and a decline in life expectancy. The challenges are not small, says Dr. Robin Herbert, co-director of Mount Sinai Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine. “It is likely we’ll see problems for years to come,” she told “Occupational Health & Safety” magazine.
The City of New York is reaching out to 9/11 victims, both those directly connected with the tragedy and others who have been affected by living in the area. “Many New Yorkers are suffering from wheezing, shortness of breath, stomach and other medical or emotional problems related to their 9/11 exposure and its aftermath,” Alan Aviles, who heads the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, told “Environmental News Service.” “Yet too many don’t connect their continuing health problems to 9/11 or believe that help is only available to WTC rescue and recovery workers.”
“Help is available for people still suffering,” New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Frieden told “Environmental News Service.” “Any New Yorker can call 311 or visit the 9/11 health website at www.nyc.gov to find information about treatment for a physical ailment or a mental health problem,” he said. “Both post-traumatic stress disorder and respiratory conditions are still common among those directly exposed. Treatment can help, so please seek care if you’re suffering.”
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