Author Archives: Michael Barasch
WTC Healthcare by the Numbers
Every quarter, the Centers for Disease Control publishes a report that gives a picture of the activities of the World Trade Center Health Program. The program was created as part of the Zadroga Act to provide free health monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Those eligible to enroll include […]
The Cancers Left Out in the Cold
Now that prostate cancer has been added to the list of illnesses covered by the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, those afflicted with cancers not yet recognized as 9/11-related may feel a renewed hope that their form of cancer may follow suit. Unfortunately, for some forms of cancer, even if that recognition comes, it […]
9/11 Volunteers Eligible for Medical Treatment Benefits
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, it has become a well-known fact that first-responders and other workers at the cleanup of the fallen World Trade Center towers were exposed to dangerous toxins in the debris and dust. Many were affected in the days and months following 9/11. However, many more have and are likely […]
Ground Zero and Cancer: The Surprising Side
As the years have gone by since the 9/11 disaster, studies have repeatedly demonstrated an increased rate of many cancers among emergency responders and other survivors who had breathed the toxic dust at Ground Zero. Except one. Somewhat surprisingly, statistics show 9/11 responders have experienced a lower rate of lung cancer than would be expected […]
How to Apply for the WTC Health Program
If you suspect you are suffering from a physical or mental condition because of exposure to the hazards resulting from the 9/11 attacks, you may be eligible for free healthcare under the World Trade Center Health Program. Even if you currently have no symptoms, you may be entitled to free long-term health monitoring and clinical […]
Who Are the 18,000 People Suffering from 9/11 Toxic Dust Exposure?
When the world learned that nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks on September 11, 2001, it was shocking beyond words. But in the dozen years since, a slowly unfolding second phase of the disaster suggests the true number of casualties might increase well beyond that. It’s a sad story of how good deeds do […]
Deadline Déjà Vu for Comp Fund
It is simply human nature, indicated the director of a Washington-based victim-support organization, for people to put off taking action until a deadline looms. Just look at the tax-filing ordeal many put themselves through every April. So it was no wonder, she concluded, that until the compensation fund deadline was imminent, the response was lower […]
Prostate Cancer Now Eligible for Zadroga Benefits
Less than three weeks before the deadline for registering under the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health officially added prostate cancer to the list of diseases eligible for compensation. The move also means those afflicted with 9/11-related prostate cancer are eligible for free care under the World Trade Center […]
WTC Disasters and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
First known as shell shock, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened emotional reaction to a known or unknown trigger that immerses a victim in severe anxiety, flashbacks and cascading physiologic response. While a strong memory is not by itself a symptom of PTSD, that same strong memory can be accompanied by other symptoms […]
A Man from New Jersey, a Tragedy in New York
James Zadroga grew up in North Arlington, New Jersey. As a detective with the New York Police Department, Mr. Zadroga became heavily involved in recovery operations after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York City. According to reports, Mr. Zadroga logged 450 hours at the World Trade Center (WTC) site. The exposure cost […]
