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Risk of Illness by Exposure to Irritants Among World Trade Center Health Registry Enrollees During Post Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Efforts
After Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, reconstruction efforts created harmful environmental conditions. These included mold growth and clouds of sand, dust and toxic fumes. A study published in 2018 looked at the harmful effects this had on the lungs of enrollees.
The study divided the people into three groups. Group one were those exposed to buildings being rebuilt. Group two were people exposed to mold or damp environments. Group three were those exposed to other lung irritants.
More than one-third of the people in the study reported post-Sandy lower respiratory symptoms (LRS). Enrollees reporting at least one of the exposures were two times as likely to have post-Sandy LRS. In fact, the risk of LRS increased with the amount of exposures reported.
Health organizations should make the public aware of potential exposure to toxins. People should wear protective equipment during clean-up after a hurricane.
NY State Extends Eligibility for 9/11 Medical Benefits
September, 2016
New York State has reopened the period for workers and volunteers seeking lost wages and medical benefits from their work in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the World Trade Center and in the landfills after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The law was signed by Governor Cuomo on the 15th anniversary of the attacks. It extends the claims filing deadline, which passed two years ago, until September 11, 2018.
Further, the law authorizes new claims for related injuries and illnesses since September 11, 2001 to the present. Benefits include workers’ compensation, disability, and accidental death benefits that were disallowed because of late filing.
Questions? Need more information?
► Visit the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board website.
Registry June 2016 Updates
The Registry completed the 2015 Health Survey and data collection is now closed. This was the third follow-up survey, otherwise known as Wave 4. The Registry is currently applying for a continuation grant, which includes analyzing Wave 4 data.
The Registry created brief videos to explain some of the Registry’s health findings based on data collected from previous surveys. Watch those videos.
A few of the Registry’s enrollees have spoken about why they remain part of the Registry. Watch their video testimonials.
Federal Government Redefines Childhood Cancer
The federal government has revised the definition of childhood cancer it uses for the WTC Health Program to clarify that it means any cancer first diagnosed in a person younger than 20. The revised definition is based on the age at diagnosis, not the current age of the WTC Health Program member.
►Read the full article
New York State Extends WTC Deadlines
Governor Cuomo signed legislation in November that affects workers compensation and disability retirement benefits for workers who participated in WTC rescue and recovery operations. Filing deadlines for both entitlements have been extended until September 11, 2014, and eligibility has been expanded for certain categories of workers.
►Read the full article
WTC Health Program Adds Prostate Cancer
The federal government added prostate cancer to the list of conditions that can be treated by the WTC Health Program. Coverage began October 21.
►Read the final rule (PDF)
Services Now Available to WTC Survivors Outside NYC Area
The World Trade Center Health Program now offers services to survivors, including Lower Manhattan residents, office workers and students, who may have moved outside the New York City area since the September 2001 terrorist attacks. In the past, only responders had access to WTC-specific services outside the New York City area.
►More information
WTC Health Program Now Offers Cancer Care
World Trade Center responders and survivors can receive care for many different types of cancer at the federal WTC Health Program if their cancers are 9/11-related. WTC Health Program Cancer Fact Sheet (PDF).WTC Health Program Covered Conditions