9/11 first responders face chronic illnesses caused by toxic debris

Health Impact of 9/11 Toxic Exposure - First responders are battling chronic illnesses due to toxic exposure at disaster sites [1] - Common initial health issues included coughing, asthma, sinus problems, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), alongside anxiety, PTSD, and depression [7][8] - Over time, chronic conditions like COPD and lung scarring (fibrosis) emerged [8] - Thousands of cancer cases are now being seen, including severe cancers, with early cancers predominantly being blood cancers [9] Program & Funding Needs - Northwell's program provides healthcare to nearly 5,000 first responders, offering annual exams, physicals, blood work, chest X-rays (every other year), breathing tests, and cancer screenings [4][5] - The World Trade Center Health Program monitors and treats individuals affected by 9/11 [12] - There is a need for continued funding to ensure timely and seamless care for affected individuals [11][13] - 9/11-linked cancers have increased by a shocking 143% in the last five years, highlighting the growing need for support [10] Ongoing Suffering - First responders are still getting sick and suffering 24 years later [16] - The 9/11 responder and survivor funding act is currently stalled in Congress [14]