News

Nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks, but the death toll steadily increases as survivors succumb to a variety of illnesses. Estimates show as many as 2,100 first responders have died from related diseases as the nation observes the 18th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Many believe the number of deaths from related diseases will equal or surpass the number who died on the day of the attack by 2020. Nearly 10,000 first responders and others who live and work in the area around the Twin Towers have been diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma.

9/11 is expected to have long-lasting health effects

Of the thousands of people diagnosed with health issues resulting from the attacks, the most common illnesses are:

• Cancers, including mesothelioma
• Lung and stomach diseases
• “World Trade Center cough,” a disorder which includes respiratory pain, restricted breathing and coughing up blood and ash
• Asthma
• PTSD, depression and other mental health problems

Mesothelioma cases expected to rise

While many of the victims have been diagnosed with melanoma and prostate cancer, malignant mesothelioma cases are only beginning to be reported for people who breathed in asbestos, dust, concrete, glass and other toxic substances near ground zero.

Mesothelioma can take much longer to develop, up to 40 years in some cases and medical professionals expect the number of cases to spike in the next few years along with lung cancer and other diseases.

Seek compensation for asbestos exposure

Nearly 100,000 people have signed up for the World Trade Center Health Program, which helps pay for treatment related to 9/11 illnesses. More than 10% of the funding goes toward cancer treatment, including mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos, an experienced attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.