Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis Linked to September 11th Attacks

On September 11, 2001, and in the weeks and months that followed, a thick cloud of dust, smoke, and toxic fumes hung over Lower Manhattan. For NYC residents, office workers, responders, students, teachers, and clean-up workers, the feeling that you were breathing toxic air was well-known. Despite this, NYC and government officials urged New Yorkers to return to their daily lives. We now know the air was not safe to breathe. Pulverized concrete, jet fuel, and building materials contributed to debilitating health conditions that have resulted in persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and other debilitating symptoms for those at or near the World Trade Center disaster area for many months following the attacks.

Signs of 9/11-Linked Chronic Bronchitis

With symptoms like those of the common cold or flu, bronchitis is not always easy to spot. Signs of the disease include:

• Cough lasting at least 3 months
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue or feeling constantly run down
• Production of Mucus (often yellowish-gray or green in color)

A disease is defined as chronic if it persists for more than 3 months. For many people with 9/11-linked bronchitis, this period may span years or even decades. Chronic bronchitis, along with emphysema, make up the condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you think you may have any of the above symptoms, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Compensation for Your Chronic Bronchitis

Two government-run programs exist to help those suffering from a 9/11-linked illness or cancer. The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides free nationwide medical care for respiratory illness sufferers like those with chronic bronchitis or COPD. The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides monetary compensation to those with conditions like Chronic Bronchitis certified by the WTC Health Program.

Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

Deadlines to register VCF claims are approaching. If you or anyone you know had cancer or lost a family member, reach out to us to register for compensation quickly.

If you suspect your chronic bronchitis or COPD is linked to the toxic dust from 9/11, the deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that your illness has been certified by the WTC Health Program. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a victim is made aware their condition was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

For those who died from their WTC-linked condition, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.