Barasch & McGarry Recognizes Asthma Awareness Month

May is Asthma Awareness Month.

Anyone who was exposed to Ground Zero toxins in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 or during the 8 following months has a dramatically higher risk of developing 68 different types of cancer and many respiratory illnesses, such as asthma.

Barasch & McGarry represents nearly 8,500 members of the 9/11 community who have been diagnosed with asthma.

With asthma, the airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This condition often makes breathing difficult and results in coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing out, as well as shortness of breath.

For some people with asthma, the disease interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

The risk factors for asthma include family history, viral respiratory infections, allergies, smoking, air pollution, obesity, and occupational exposures, according to the American Lung Association.

Treatment generally involves long-term asthma control medications, for example inhaled corticosteroids (known as an inhaler) used regularly to prevent or reduce the severity of asthma attacks.

If you are diagnosed with asthma or any other 9/11-related cancers or respiratory illnesses as  result of your exposure to Ground Zero toxins, you have the right to enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program and register with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. 

Contact Barasch & McGarry to enroll and register.

Visit www.911victims.com or call 212-385-8000 today.