Children Who Lived Through The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Face Serious Health Risks

Parker Waichman LLP points out that research reveals that, in the 16 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the children who are survivors of the attacks are now facing significant health effects.

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Parker Waichman LLP

Sep 08, 2017, 14:34 ET

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has long fought for the heroes and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, comments on research tying cardiac issues to children who were exposed to the toxic cloud that hovered over Manhattan due to the terrorist attacks. According to a September 8, 2017 report by The New York Post, citing research conducted by New York University (NYU) Langone Health, children who resided in lower Manhattan at the time of the terrorist attacks and who were exposed to the toxic cloud of debris, carcinogens, and other dangerous elements, are now showing increased risks for future heart disease.

The NYU researchers reviewed the blood tests of 308 children. About half of these children were in contact with the toxic dust cloud on and following September 11, 2001. The team found that the children whose blood contained chemicals known to have been in the debris were also diagnosed with elevated levels of artery-hardening fats in their blood, according to The New York Post.

The chemicals originated with the fumes that were emitted as electronics and furniture burned during the attacks. Those children who lived near the World Trade Center in Manhattan were exposed to significantly higher levels of these chemicals than children who were not in New York City on the day of the attack. If left unmanaged, these increased blood fat levels may lead to blood vessel blockages and heart attacks. "Since 9/11, we have focused a lot of attention on the psychological and mental fallout from witnessing the tragedy, but only now are the potential physical consequences of being within the disaster zone itself becoming clear," said lead study investigator and health epidemiologist, Leonardo Trasande, an associate professor at NYU School of Medicine, in a statement, according to The New York Post. The risk factors may be addressed through diet and exercise, he added, noting that, "[Our study] offers hope that early intervention can alleviate some of the dangers to health posed by the disaster."

"Parker Waichman continues its fight to ensure that every victim, including children, of the 9/11 terrorist attacks receive all the medical care and compensation they deserve," said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at the firm. "This research continues to show that survivors of all ages will continue to need medical care and compensation," he added.

Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the Zadroga programs—The World Trade Center Health Program and the Victims Compensation Fund—and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard those exposed to the World Trade Center attack and the toxic plume that followed the attack. To determine eligibility under the Act, please visit the Parker Waichman's website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

Contact: Keith Gitman, 516-466-6500

SOURCE Parker Waichman LLP