Emotional trauma as well as long term effects on health of thousands of survivors, first responders and cleanup workers were the after effects of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Skin cancer is one of the most alarming consequences of the toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero which has been identified among many others. The relationship of dust exposure with 9/11 skin cancer is important to understand by those who were living, working, or volunteering in the impacted regions as well as to those who would want compensation due to their medical conditions today.
1. The Toxic Makeup of 9/11 Dust
The collapse of the Twin Towers caused the destruction of millions of tons of crushed material to be thrown into the air. The ensuing dust cloud was a complicated blend of asbestos, silica, cement, glass fibers and jet fuel remnants and heavy metals- all of which are carcinogens.
The individuals who inhaled or were in contact with this poisonous mixture particularly over extended periods of time during rescue and clean-up processes were exposed to harmful elements that had the potential to cause cellular damage and even heighten the risk of cancer. First responders and recovery workers who were working on debris without complete protective equipment were exposed through skin contact, especially.
2. Exposure to Dust in 9/11 causes Skin Cancer.
The skin is the first barrier that the body has to protect against environmental risks yet it is not immune to damage. The exposure to 9/11 dust particles and chemicals has also been found to cause various kinds of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and even melanoma which can be life threatening when not treated.
A survey conducted by the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) with funding indicated that survivors who lived or worked near or at Ground Zero have a high tendency of developing skin cancer as opposed to the general population. Exposure to toxic dusts, exposure to the sun during outdoor recovery work and chronic inflammation were probably contributing factors to this risk.
3. Recognizing Symptoms Early
Skin cancer can be detected at an early stage, and this may be of great importance in treatment. The survivors are supposed to check frequently their skin with:
- Changing or new moles or spots.
- Sores that don’t heal
- Red or scaly patches
- Unusual lumps or growths
It is highly advisable that regular dermatological checkups be done on an individual who was in lower Manhattan or on those who took part in the cleanup operations of the attacks.
4. Law and Medical Assistance to 9/11 Survivors.
Suppose you were exposed to the toxic dust in the 9/11 attacks and have since contracted skin cancer, you can potentially receive benefits under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) or the World Trade Center Health Program. These initiatives provide free medical care, cancer screening and financial reimbursement to eligible responders and survivors.
You can retain the services of a 9/11 lawyer, who was able to navigate through the complicated claims process, collect medical evidence and get the compensation you deserve. Attorneys who are knowledgeable of health claims regarding 9/11 will know the paperwork and the timeframe to submit claims to have the most benefit.
5. Living Healthy in Mind and Body.
A few years later, it is important to monitor your health. Periodical examinations, sunscreens, and continued medical checks can be used to avoid complications in future. The survivors must keep up to date on the changes of the WTCHP and do not neglect to support their health rights.
Conclusion
The association between the exposure to dust during 9/11 and skin cancer is well documented and has persisted to date to the thousands of survivors. The first step in protecting your health and finding compensation is knowing your medical risks and your rights as a patient under the law. In case you or someone close to you have contracted skin cancer since 9/11, contact a 9/11 lawyer and learn about your right to get a benefit and take charge of your road to recovery.
Apart from that, if you want to know about Top Industries at Risk for Asbestos Exposure then please visit our Legal Advice category. Related reading: The ’Two-Front War: Can You Win the Battle Against Bumps and Shadows.
