Is There a Connection Between 9/11 and Childhood Cancers?

In the years since September 11th, an increased risk of developing various cancers, including childhood cancers has been linked to exposure to the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks, as has been highlighted by various studies and medical research. The attacks on September 11, 2001, created a cloud of toxic dust and debris that left a lingering impact on the health of thousands of people who were present during the attacks and in the weeks and months that followed. This is true not only for the first responders and recovery workers who responded to Ground Zero but also for others who were exposed to the aftermath, including children.

The Impact of a Post-9/11 Childhood

Children who lived, went to school, or were otherwise in Downtown Manhattan, or who had parents involved in the cleanup and recovery operations, were exposed to a range of harmful pollutants. These young people may have inhaled or ingested dust and smoke containing known and potential carcinogens such as asbestos, lead, pulverized concrete, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other toxic chemicals. As these children grow, there is increasing concern about the long-term health impacts of their exposure to the 9/11 toxins, in particular the risk of developing childhood cancers. Some examples of childhood cancers that may be related to 9/11 exposure include:

• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Cancers of the brain
• Spinal cord
• Bone
• Kidney
• Liver
• Melanoma
• Sarcoma 

Childhood Cancers Are Recognized as 9/11 Cancers

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), created as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act), is responsible for certifying 9/11-related health conditions. The WTCHP has certified several types of cancers as being linked to 9/11 exposure, which includes several cancers that affect children. Research is still ongoing, but so far the evidence suggests that the carcinogenic impact of the toxins released during the collapse may have a long latency period, which means that conditions such as cancer may surface many years after the initial exposure. This is particularly worrisome for children, as their developing bodies are more sensitive to the effects of environmental toxins like those they were exposed to in the aftermath of 9/11. Free monitoring and treatment for 9/11 childhood cancers are available to those who were present in the New York City Exposure Zone during and after the attacks. 

In addition to medical monitoring and treatment, individuals who have developed childhood cancers related to the 9/11 attacks may also be eligible for financial compensation for their losses. The Zadroga Act established the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to provide compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses related to the 9/11 attacks. Economic losses may include lost wages, benefits, and medical expenses, while noneconomic losses may include pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, etc. 

The WTCHP Youth Cohort's Work

In response to mounting concerns, the WTCHP has established a youth cohort to specifically monitor and study those who were under the age of 18 during the 9/11 attacks. This subgroup focuses on tracking health outcomes among the exposed child population, providing important research that helps understand the risk and prevalence of 9/11-related health conditions, including childhood cancers. By closely monitoring the WTCHP youth cohort, researchers hope to gain better insights into how exposure to 9/11 toxins in their childhood has affected their health, including an increased risk of developing cancer. This work is crucial for developing targeted healthcare interventions that can help mitigate the long-term health consequences of 9/11 exposure.

Consult the Team at Hansen & Rosasco, LLP

Understanding the potential link between 9/11 exposure and childhood cancers is essential for families who have been affected by the attacks. If you or someone you know was a child at the time of the attacks, was exposed to the aftermath of the attacks and is now experiencing health issues, it’s essential to get the right legal and medical support. At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our knowledgeable team is dedicated to handling 9/11-related health and compensation claims with compassion. We can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate the complex process of registering with the WTCHP, filing a claim with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), and providing all necessary proof of presence and medical documentation. Our experienced 9/11 attorneys ensure that those affected receive the maximum compensation and necessary care they deserve.

Families concerned about the impact of 9/11 on their children’s health should not hesitate to seek comprehensive cancer screenings and medical evaluations. Early detection and intervention can be crucial in managing any potential health issues arising from 9/11 exposure, including childhood cancers. With the right support and resources, you can help ensure better health outcomes for the youngest survivors of the attacks. 

At Hansen & Rosasco, LLP, our team of dedicated legal professionals has been working for over twenty years representing survivors, responders, residents, and their families to navigate the intricacies of 9/11 health claims. If you are someone you know who was exposed to the toxic cloud of dust and debris after 9/11, we invite you to contact us today for a free consultation to find out if you are eligible for financial compensation and no-cost medical monitoring and treatment.