The devastating aftereffects of 9/11 have continued to haunt the world decades after their occurrence. Emergency workers, firefighters, police, and paramedics were exposed to unprecedented trauma, both physically and psychologically.
Nearly 80,000 people have been diagnosed with what we call “9/11 illnesses”. Working for weeks at a hazardous site, inhaling toxic dust and debris, and handling human remains exposed them to chemicals and carcinogens. This article will examine their effects, highlighting the toll of 9/11 among responders.
The Long-Term Physical Health Impact
When the Twin Towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, they left behind a massive plume of toxins. Some examples include asbestos, pulverized concrete, jet fuel residues, glass fibers, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and persistent organic pollutants such as dioxins.
The responders had little respiratory protection against these in the early days. As a result, there are alarming rates of chronic physical illnesses among 9/11 responders. Here are some 9/11 related illnesses among responders:
- Cancers: The incident caused several types of cancers. Significant examples include cancer of the lungs, oesophagus, and thyroid due to the inhalation of toxic dust and poisonous contaminants, and prostate cancer due to exposure to debris. Additionally, there was an increase in leukemia due to benzene and other carcinogens at the site.
- Respiratory diseases: These include asthma, chronic cough syndrome (WTC cough), chronic laryngitis, chronic nasopharyngitis, and many others. Many responders also suffer from sinusitis and sleep apnea.
- Acute traumatic injuries: The 9/11 presented responders with a life-or-death situation. As such, there were many tragedies involving responders suffering traumatic injuries due to falling from heights or from falling debris. Many suffered head trauma, bone injuries, scarring in tissues, severe burns, and much more.
Contributing Factors
Some factors during and after the incident have exacerbated 9/11 illnesses. Here are the two most important ones:
- Prolonged exposure: Thousands of responders remained at the site for weeks, or even months, following the incident without appropriate respiratory protection. They inhaled the contaminants more deeply the longer they stayed. This prolonged exposure intensified the severity of the illnesses.
- Lack of early intervention: The responsible agencies did not adequately assess the air quality in Lower Manhattan. They claimed that the air was safe, so there was a delay in distributing protective equipment. There was a lack of systematic medical monitoring. As a result, responders continued to work there without realising the risks.
These two factors shaped the severity of 9/11 illnesses. However, a significant factor that shaped their development is the latency period of many cancers. For instance, thyroid and lung cancers can take decades to develop. This latency period has led to a rise in diagnoses, keeping the health crisis going even now.
What Now?
Several legal and policy mechanisms are in place to provide relief. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), for instance, provides financial compensation to the victims or the families of those who died. It assists with illnesses and medical expenses, as well as lost earnings or non-economic damages.
Similarly, the World Trade Centre Health Program (WTCHP) provides free treatments and medical monitoring for responders, survivors, and people living or working in the affected area. It covers a wide range of illnesses to serve all victims.
However, both these organisations have faced funding issues over the years. As a result, a show of ongoing support requires us to demand sustained legal action to ensure these organisations remain well-funded. There should be increased awareness and improved early detection protocols to address the long-term consequences of the 9/11 attacks.
Endnote
The physical toll of 9/11 on responders has been heavy, long-lasting, and, in some cases, fatal. As new diagnoses come to light, we must ensure that continued medical support, scientific research, and public recognition remain essential in this fight. Only then can the nation morally fulfil its obligations to those who risked everything in the aftermath.
