Numerous Health Complications Common from 9/11 Aftereffects

Over the past several years, there has been growing concern surrounding the numerous types of health effects stemming from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in Manhattan. After the building materials, furniture and electronic equipment fell and were crushed, dust and debris from the buildings filled the air.

Many New York residents, attack victims and Ground Zero first responders are experiencing respiratory illnesses today as a result of toxins being spread through the dust. In addition, other common health issues arising from the aftereffects of 9/11 include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): As many as 20 percent of adults who were directly exposed to the disaster at the World Trade Center will experience some form of PTSD. This is an extremely large number — four times the amount who experience symptoms of the disorder in the general population.
• Heart disease: Individuals who sustained injuries in the attacks or experienced PTSD after the attacks have a three times greater risk of suffering from heart disease in their lifetimes than the general population.
• Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a chronic acid reflux disease often associated with people who have respiratory or mental health problems, or those who have experienced high levels of stress.
• Cancer: Early studies indicate that people exposed to the elements in the aftermath of the World Trade Center disaster might be at an increased risk for developing various types of cancer.
• Sarcoidosis: This is a type of inflammation disease that usually affects the lung. People who were exposed to the aftermath of the attacks are more likely to suffer symptoms of sarcoidosis, likely due to the exposure to the debris.

If you believe you have a health problem resulting from the attacks of 9/11, contact a compassionate New York personal injury attorney with Barasch & McGarry.