Neuropathy Should be Covered Under Zadroga Act, Study Suggests

A new study has found that exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) toxic dust is associated with symptoms of neuropathy, nerve problems that may cause tingling, pain, numbness, or weakness. The findings suggest that neuropathy should be covered under the Zadroga Act.

Port Washington, United States – November 16, 2016 /PressCable/ —

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments on the findings of a recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Researchers found that symptoms of neuropathy were much more common in individuals exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) around the time of the 9/11 attack compared to those individuals who were not exposed. This association remained even after adjusting for other factors, including medical conditions, age, and depression. “This study provides evidence that exposure to WTC dust is associated with neuropathic symptoms,” the authors wrote.

Neuropathy that affects the peripheral nerves, such as those serving the hands or feet, often leads to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain. Researchers conducted the study by distributing surveys; participants were asked about their level of WTC exposure and neuropathy symptoms and were assessed via the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). The survey also asked questions about other medical conditions and included measures of wellbeing and depression.

After analyzing 255 completed surveys, researchers found that symptoms of neuropathy were more common in people who were WTC-exposed. Furthermore, the neuropathic symptoms were more severe. Participants had MNSI scores ranging from zero (no neuropathy symptoms) to 13 (many neuropathy symptoms). Previous studies suggest that scores of at least four or seven strongly suggest clinical neuropathy in people with diabetes (neuropathy is a known complication of diabetes). The authors found that 68 percent of WTC-exposed participants had MNSI scores of at least four and 21 percent had scores or at least seven. Comparatively, the MNSI scores among patients with Type 1 diabetes are 18 percent and five percent, respectively. These results suggest that symptoms of neuropathy are more common in WTC-exposed individuals than in those with diabetes.

The authors cite several pieces of empirical evidence suggesting that WTC exposure is associated with neuropathy. The toxic dust from the towers’ collapse contained chemicals that may damage nerve cells (neurotoxins), including heavy metals and complex hydrocarbons. Additionally, many 9/11 responders have reported symptoms of neuropathy during clinical visits. Furthermore, the authors cite a previous study showing that a methanol extract of WTC dust impaired the function of a rat sciatic nerve.

The study findings suggest that neuropathy should be covered under the Zadroga Act. The authors write, “As neuropathy treatment in responders is currently not covered under the WTC program, our findings have strong policy implications and suggest that neuropathy should be added to the list of conditions covered.”

Researchers note that, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), individuals exposed to the toxic WTC cloud have a higher risk for many medical issues, including respiratory disorders, certain cancers, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Zadroga Act funds the WTC Health Program, providing medical treatment and monitoring; the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides compensation. The bill, first signed into law in 2011, was renewed in December 2015, after years of effort from 9/11 advocates, including Parker Waichman. Reauthorization provides $3.5 billion to fund the WTC Health program for another 75 years to 2090. The WTC Health Program treats and monitors over 73,000 responders and survivors.

“The findings of this study suggest that neuropathy should be added to the list of conditions eligible for coverage under the Zadroga Act,” said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman LLP. “Unfortunately, research continues to show that 9/11 responders and survivors deal with more medical conditions compared to the general population.”

Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the VCF and the WTC Health Program and is proud to have fought alongside Ground Zero residents, workers, first responders, and other survivors and advocates, to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments. The firm vows to continue its efforts to safeguard all those exposed to Ground Zero’s toxic cloud and the trauma of the attacks, and ensure that all deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act, or for assistance with a claim, please visit the Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

For more information, please visit http://www.yourlawyer.com/long-island

Contact Info:
Name: Parker Waichman
Organization: Parker waichman LLP
Address: 6 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY
Phone: (516) 466-6500

Release ID: 146647