Kidney Cancer (Kidney Disease)

The Link Between 9/11 and Kidney Cancer

The toxic dust and debris from the collapsed Twin Towers contained a mix of carcinogens, chemicals, and hazardous materials. Exposure to these toxins has been linked to a range of health issues, including kidney cancer and other types of cancer. Kidney cancer can develop years after the initial exposure, making it a critical concern for 9/11 survivors and responders, even decades after the attack.

Types of Kidney Disease

Researchers at Mt. Sinai have found that damage to the kidneys and an increased incidence of albuminuria (a condition which can signal kidney disease) is associated with toxic exposure to particulate matter by first responders at Ground Zero. While there are several types of cancerous kidney tumors, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer to be found in 9/11 survivors and responders. Other kidney diseases can develop as a result of kidney damage and albuminuria. As kidney disease progresses, it can lead to further complications, including kidney failure, kidney dialysis, or the need for a kidney transplant. Understanding these connections is crucial for those exposed to 9/11 toxins, as early detection and treatment can significantly impact health outcomes.

Eligibility for Kidney Cancer Compensation

Two programs were established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act to address the health and financial needs of individuals impacted by the attacks. Survivors and first responders diagnosed with kidney cancer related to 9/11 may qualify for financial compensation through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), in addition to no-cost medical monitoring and treatment through the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Eligibility requirements differ slightly for each program. 

To be eligible for compensation for a 9/11 kidney cancer VCF award, individuals must have their diagnosis certified by the WTCHP, register with the VCF within two years from the date of WTCHP certification, and then submit a completed claim by October 1, 2090. A VCF claimant must prove their presence in the designated 9/11 New York City Exposure Zone (south of Canal Street) between September 11, 2001, to May 30, 2002.

Eligibility for the WTCHP differs based on whether the individual is a survivor or a responder. All survivors and responders must prove their presence in lower Manhattan (south of Houston Street) or in Brooklyn Heights between September 11, 2001 and July 31, 2002. The WTCHP has different minimum hours of exposure requirements depending on various factors, such as the responder’s specific role and location, and the time period and level of exposure to WTC dust and debris.

Kidney Cancer Treatment Options Through the WTC Health Program 

The WTCHP offers various treatment options for 9/11-related kidney cancer, depending on several factors. These include the stage and type of kidney cancer, whether the cancer has spread, and the patient’s general health. For many kidney cancers, treatment begins with surgery, and this may be the only treatment needed for cancers confined to the kidney. In some cases, nonsurgical options such as ablation may be considered for small kidney cancers. If the cancer has spread beyond the kidney or is reoccurring, additional treatments may be recommended, including active surveillance, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy (biologic therapy), and chemotherapy.

VCF Cancer Payouts for 9/11 Kidney Cancer Patients

VCF cancer awards for 9/11 kidney cancer patients take into account both economic and noneconomic losses. There are three types of economic loss for purposes of the VCF:

1. Loss of earnings/benefits
2. Out-of-pocket medical expenses
3. Replacement services loss. 

The total amount of the payout for economic loss depends on the amount of your past and future losses that you can prove in these three categories. The non-economic award for kidney cancer will generally qualify for the maximum award of $250,000. Working with a 9/11 attorney can help you receive the maximum award amount for your unique circumstances.