First annual report on 9/11 aftermath released

By Lisa Anderson
The Chicago Tribune
Documentary honors legacy of 9/11 responder, urges
congressional health bill

** FILE ** Smoke rises following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in New York in this Sept. 11, 2001 file photo. New York lawmakers are clamoring for greater testing of toxic ground zero dust (AP File Photo)

NEW YORK — As the seventh anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks approaches, the World Trade Center Medical Working Group of New York City on Thursday released the first of planned annual reports related to the aftermath of the attacks.

The group reported that more than 10,500 of the rescue and recovery personnel have received federally funded treatment for physical conditions.

More than 5,500 workers on the site have received federally funded treatment for mental health conditions, and thousands more have been treated privately. And more than 2,700 people have sought treatment at New York City public hospitals for similar physical and mental conditions.

It is not yet known how many deaths can be directly attributed to exposure, but the WTC Responder Fatality Investigation program has identified more than 360 deaths so far among responders and volunteers.

By the Numbers:

5%: Percentage of New York City firefighters with respiratory problems before 9/11

25%: Percentage with respiratory problems two to four years later

SOURCE: 2008 Annual Report on 9/11 Health by the World Trade Center Medical Working Group of New York City