Early Treatment Could Help 9/11 Victims with Respiratory Illnesses

A recent study found that treating Ground Zero-related respiratory illnesses at an early stage could help 9/11 community members maintain lung function.

Published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the article examined the medical records of more than 1,000 firefighters who were at the World Trade Center site on or after 9/11.

Firefighters with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were treated early with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists performed better on breathing tests than others who had received treatment later or not at all.

These findings demonstrate the benefits of registering with the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) as soon as possible, in order to access diagnostic screenings and other tests and – if necessary – to start treatment. 

Even if you have been healthy, a comprehensive physical examination with your primary care provider could reveal a chronic health condition.

Even if the WTC Health Program or the 9/11 VCF does not currently cover your condition, new illnesses have been added to that list in the past, and additional data from the WTC Health Program helps strengthen the correlation between 9/11 exposure and many illnesses.

If you are diagnosed with a respiratory illness or any of the 68 cancers impacting the 9/11 community, please contact us. 

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