Within a few seconds of the World Trade Center attack on September 11, building materials, furniture, and electronics were crushed. Dust from pulverized materials spread to the nearby area and continued to fill the area for several months. Many New York residents have since reported various cancers and respiratory illnesses. 

Most people have suffered and died from 9/11 related cancer than during the attack. A study by JAMA associates World Trade Center debris with excess cancer risk. This is among the many reasons claimants are working with 9/11 legal experts to apply for compensation. 

4 Common Types of Cancers Related to 9/11 Attack

Two decades later, the lingering health effects are still felt today. An estimated 400,000 first responders, survivors, and cleanup crew spent weeks breathing heavy dust with toxins. At Ground Zero, exposure to contaminated air has created a growing list of different cancer types. They include, but are not limited to:

• Lung Cancer 

Pulverized buildings lead to exposure to asbestos, which increases the development of lung cancer. Asbestos releases small fibers into the atmosphere, which lodge in lung tissues when inhaled. As time passes, these fibers damage lung cells, causing scarring and inflammation. 

Lung cancer caused by asbestos can take about 15 years to develop. That’s why the ripple effects of 9/11 are being felt now. Although not everyone who got exposed to toxic dust and asbestos developed cancer, it increases the chances of the illness. 

Symptoms of asbestos-related cancer include:

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Wheezing 
• Persistent coughing

These symptoms often appear in the last stage of cancer. Those exposed to asbestos during the World Trade Center attack should seek regular screening. 

• Thyroid Cancer

Exposure to toxic debris and dust on the September 11th attack and several months that followed indicates an increased risk of thyroid cancer, especially for first responders. Thyroid cancer starts when your cells grow uncontrollably in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland regulates the body’s functionality, including heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic rate. 

Suppose you or a loved one is diagnosed with thyroid cancer related to the 9/11 attack. In that case, you may be eligible for compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund. However, filing the VCF claim form can be overwhelming. Missed deadlines, errors, or incomplete documentation can delay your claim. You should work with a reliable 9/11 legal professional for an effortless process. 

• Skin Cancer

The collapsed towers exposed people to toxic particles and chemicals, such as metals, asbestos, and concrete. Those close to and inside the WTC were exposed to harmful chemicals. They include the site’s emergency responders, workers, firefighters, and volunteers. 

The debris contained carcinogens like cadmium and PAHs, which increased the risks of skin cancers. Most of these people suffer from basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. However, skin cancer is usually treatable when diagnosed in its early stages. 

• Prostate Cancer

Although Prostate cancer is a slow-developing cancer, it’s common for first responders to the 9/11 attack. String concentration of toxins and dust elevated the risks of prostate cancer. 

Wrapping Up

The 9/11 WTC attack brought both economic and health constraints to responders and survivors. You can seek professional survivors, especially if you’re suffering from any 9/11 related cancer. The experts provide representations to your VCF award and ensure you get the medical care you deserve.