Study Links Kid & Teen Exposure to the 9-11 Attacks and Asthma, Parker Waichman LLP Notes

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks are never forgotten, notes that there have been concerns regarding asthma control in adolescents and teenagers who were diagnosed with asthma following the attacks and who were exposed to the attacks at the World Trade Center. According to a report dated September 22, 2016 in the journal Pediatric Research, the study reviewed both asthma and asthma control for 10-11 years following the attacks in exposed adolescents and teens.

Of note, the reauthorized James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed in December 2015 will provide adequate funding and benefits to sufficiently care for the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks throughout their lifetimes. The reauthorization extends the Zadroga Act's programs. The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program will continue to provide medical treatment and monitoring and has been extended for another 75 years to 2090 with $3.5 billion in funding to monitor and care for 73,000 responders and survivors. The Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) has been extended for another five years to 2021 with $4.6 billion in funding.

The World Trade Center Health Registry Adolescent Wave 3 Survey, conducted in 2011-2012, collected data on adolescent asthma diagnosed by a physician following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The data included the level of asthma control—based on modified National Asthma Education and Prevention Program criteria—and also looked at probable mental health conditions and behavior problems. Parents also reported healthcare needs and 9/11-exposures. A so-called “logistic regression” approach was utilized to determine the ties between asthma, the level of asthma control, 9/11-exposure, mental health and behavioral problems, and unmet healthcare needs, according to the Pediatric Research report.

The researchers of the study entitled, “Asthma Control in Adolescents 10 to 11 Years after Exposure to the World Trade Center Disaster,” concluded that comprehensive care of post-9/11 asthma in adolescents should include management of mental health-related comorbidities. Parker Waichman notes that, regarding the 9/11 attack exposure and related illnesses, there is no statute of limitation on children; therefore, kids do not age out of statute of limitation protection. This means that, if an individual was 10 years old at the time of the attacks and developed asthma as a result of the attacks and is 25 years old today, under most circumstances, that individual has not aged out of compensation.

“The firm is pleased that the innocent children who were exposed to the trauma and toxins of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks are eligible for coverage and that research confirms the physical and psychological damage associated with the attacks,” said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “The firm has fought long and hard to ensure all those entitled to benefits receive them, including children.”

In the years following the attacks, researchers determined that the thick plume of dust and debris that hovered over lower Manhattan contained a toxic mix of compounds, including asbestos; pulverized cement; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); benzene; dioxin; glass fibers; gypsum; jet fuel; heavy metals, including lead and other chemicals; irritants; toxins; and carcinogens. Many residents, workers, and rescue and recovery workers exposed to these toxins have been diagnosed with various illnesses, including aerodigestive disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety disorder associated with the trauma of exposure to the attacks. Over 90 health conditions, including 60 types of cancer, are believed to be a direct result of the toxic dust those in the area inhaled.

Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the VCF and the WTC Health Program and is proud to have fought alongside Ground Zero residents, workers, first responders, and other survivors and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments. The firm vows to continue its efforts to safeguard all those, including children, who were exposed to Ground Zero’s toxic cloud and the trauma of the attacks, and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, especially concerning asthma and statute of limitation for teens exposed at the site, or for assistance with a claim, please visit the Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).