First responders of the 9/11 attack are at greater risk of kidney cancer
On September 11, 2001, first responders were exposed to an intense dust cloud from the WTC. The toxic fumes contained cadmium, which causes kidney cancer. In a study conducted by Mount Sinai researchers, urine samples of 183 first responders exposed to dust and fumes at Ground Zero were analyzed. The urine samples were tested for albumin levels, which indicate kidney damage. An increased urine albumin level was observed among first responders exposed to high levels of the 9/11 dust cloud. According to the researchers, the high exposure to the polluted air at Ground Zero first responders caused severe inflammation of the endothelial lining of blood vessels, which led to kidney malfunction and subsequent damage.
Kidney cancer, the ninth most common cancer among 9/11 responders and survivors, is likely to develop as aggressive cancer at a younger age as compared to other people. Kidney cancer develops several years after exposure and is a concern for survivors even after decades of the 9/11 attacks. The symptoms of kidney cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the lower back
- Unintended weight loss
- Tiredness
- High blood pressure
- Unexplained fever that lasts longer
The survivors of the 9/11 attacks should continuously monitor for the above symptoms and contact health care providers as early as possible if any symptoms arise.
9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims for kidney cancer
If you were a WTC general responder or active/retired member of the New York City Fire Department or were present at the 9/11 attack sites during or after the attack and have developed kidney cancer, you are eligible to receive compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) payout for a 9/11 victim is calculated based on the formula "non-economic loss + economic loss – collateral offsets". Collateral offsets include the compensation received for your injury from other sources. While the VCF payout would sum up to $250,000 for 9/11-related kidney cancer, the compensation can be even higher, and it depends on the severity of your injury.
