More than 23,000 people in the NY and NJ area were monitored last year

Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week released the annual medical research review of potential health impacts of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The 2010 Annual Report on 9/11 Health includes a series of recommendations about the methods researchers should use when conducting complex analyses of confirmed cancer diagnoses in World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed individuals, including New York City Firefighters and WTC Health Registry participants.

To date, most WTC-related research and health services have been funded through federal appropriations, but the current grant funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health will expire in 2011. The James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, now being considered by the U.S. Congress, would provide long-term funding for WTC-related health monitoring, treatment and research.

“This year, New York City has provided specialized treatment for World Trade Center-related illnesses to more than 15,000 people in the New York area,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Over the past nine years, we have ensured that everyone who rushed to our city’s aid received the care they needed. Passing the James L. Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is the best way we can demonstrate our continued commitment to helping everyone and anyone who needs medical care.”

According to the new report, more than 23,000 people in the New York and New Jersey area were monitored for WTC-related illness during the past year, with the vast majority (95 percent) being rescue and recovery workers. Since 9/11, more than 50,000 rescue and recovery workers, residents, students and office workers in the New York area have enrolled in 9/11 health programs for respiratory and mental health conditions. Another 15,200 people in the area underwent treatment in the last year through the federally funded WTC Centers of Excellence.

While the majority of people exposed to the WTC attacks are healthy and free of symptoms, thousands have developed chronic mental and physical health conditions. The report cites recent studies showing that the steep declines in lung function detected among firefighters and EMS workers within a year of 9/11 have largely persisted.

Mayor Bloomberg convened the WTC Medical Working Group -- comprised of clinicians, epidemiologists, and researchers -- in June 2007. Members meet regularly to review clinical research findings on the health effects of WTC exposure. In addition to publishing an annual report, the Medical Working Group reviews the adequacy of physical and mental health services available to WTC-exposed persons, and advises city government on approaches to communicating health-risk information related to WTC exposure.
 
The WTC Centers of Excellence offer treatment and medication for WTC-related illnesses by health professionals specializing in 9/11-related conditions, with no out-of-pocket costs to patients.  The centers also offer assistance with applying for 9/11-related benefits, such as Workers’ Compensation.

New Yorkers interested in the program should visit the website of the WTC Environmental Health Center, go to www.nyc.gov, or call 311 for help.