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20 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, New Yorkers continue to fall ill from toxic smoke poisoning following the collapse of the World Trade Center. A special treatment program covers over 111 thousand. people, the Associated Press agency revealed. In fact, scientists still can’t say exactly how many people got sick from it. However, it is known which diseases are the most common.
Diseases after the attack on the WTC. Billions for treatment and compensation
The US federal government has so far spent $ 11,7 billion on treatment or compensation for those who fell ill because they were exposed to toxic smoke. That’s $ 4,6 billion. more than was allocated to helping the families of people who died or were injured in the attacks, according to AP.
Over 40 people received funding from a government program to treat those whose illnesses are potentially linked to the 11/XNUMX attacks. Scientists still cannot say exactly how many people fell ill when exposed to dust from powdered concrete, glass, asbestos and plaster that floated after the collapse of the towers.
Many enrolled in the health program have medical conditions that are common to the general public, including gastric reflux, sleep apnea. In most cases, it is impossible to tell if the disease is related to World Trade Center dust or is due to other factors such as smoking, genetics or obesity.
Over the years, this has led to friction between patients who are absolutely certain they are suffering from a 11/XNUMX related illness and doctors who have doubts.
Diseases after the attack on the WTC. What are New Yorkers most sick with?
Years of research have clarified some issues. Of the people enrolled in the government’s free treatment program, the largest group develops chronic sinusitis, nasal inflammation or acid reflux disease, which can cause symptoms such as heartburn, sore throat and chronic cough.
According to AP, post-traumatic stress disorder has become one of the most common, persistent diseases, affecting around 12,5 thousand people. people covered by the health program. Almost 19 thousand registered have a mental health problem believed to be related to the seizures. Over 4 patients suffer from a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Time helped to heal some ailments, but not all. Many WTC first aiders who develop chronic cough have experienced improvement or relief over time. For others, the improvement was slight.
About 9 percent firefighters exposed to dust continue to report persistent cough. About 22 percent. suffers from shortness of breath. About 40 percent. still has chronic sinus problems or acid reflux.
Do you have shortness of breath, often cough or feel pain when breathing? Consult a pulmonologist. You can do this through MedonetMarket.
From the good news, the worst concerns about a possible wave of deadly tumors have not materialized. «At least not yet» points out AP.
Diseases after the attack on the WTC. Increase in care spending
The US Congress presented a bill under which the program of care for the victims of the attacks will be subsidized, starting from 2025, by another 2,6 billion dollars.
Anyone who has lived in lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn when the attacks occurred and developed certain diseases are eligible for the federal free health care program, AP explained.
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- Mysterious disappearance of a young doctor. After two decades, it is still unknown whether she died on September 11
- Psychotraumatology – what is it? How to deal with traumas? [WE EXPLAIN]
- 20 years after the WTC attack, the rescuers are still ill
PAP / fit / akl / jar / Redakcja Medonet
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