9/11 ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION

CHRONIC OR WORSENING SYMPTOMS AND ILLNESSES

COVERED CONDITIONS

The WTC Health Program provides treatment for a specific list of physical and mental health conditions that have been determined to be caused by exposure to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We also cover medically associated health conditions, which are caused by the progression or treatment of a covered condition.

Below is the list of covered conditions in the WTC Health Program. The list may change as we continue to learn about 9/11 exposure and its effects on health.

Mental Health Conditions

• Acute stress disorder
• Adjustment disorder
• Anxiety disorder (not otherwise specified)
• Depression (not otherwise specified)
• Dysthymic disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance abuse

Acute Traumatic Injury

• Burn
• Complex sprain
• Eye injury
• Fracture
• Head trauma
• Other similar acute traumatic injuries
• Tendon tear

Aerodigestive Disorders

• Asthma
• Chronic cough syndrome
• Chronic laryngitis
• Chronic nasopharyngitis
• Chronic respiratory disorder due to fumes/vapors
• Chronic rhinosinusitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• Interstitial lung diseases
• Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)
• Sleep apnea exacerbated by or related to another condition in the list of aerodigestive disorders
• Upper airway hyperreactivity
• WTC-exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Cancers

Childhood Cancers

Any type of cancer diagnosed in a person less than 20 years of age.

Malignant Neoplasms

Female Reproductive Organs
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Ovary

Uterus

Thyroid
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Thyroid gland

Rare Cancers

Any type of cancer that occurs in less than 15 cases per 100,000 persons per year (called the “incidence rate”) based on data from 2005-2009 as referenced in Copeland et al., Cancer in North America: 2005-2009 average annual data, are considered rare cancers. These cancers are eligible for certification by the WTC Health Program. Below are cancer types that have been determined to meet the threshold incidence rate for rare cancers. However, this compilation is not exhaustive. Other types of cancer which meet the definition of a rare cancer, but which are not on the List or identified below, may also be considered for certification. Every cancer submitted for certification which is not individually identified in the above list is reviewed by the WTC Health Program to assess if it meets the definition of a rare cancer.

Therefore, for the purposes of the WTC Health Program, the Administrator has determined that the category “Rare Cancers” includes, but is not limited to, the following types of cancer:

• Malignant neoplasms of the—
  • adrenal gland and other endocrine glands and related structures
  • anus and anal canal
  • bone and articular cartilage
  • breast among men
  • gallbladder and other parts of biliary tract
  • meninges, brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, and other parts of central nervous system
  • pancreas
  • penis and testis
  • placenta
  • small intestine
  • thymus
  • vulva, vagina, and cervix uteri (invasive only)
• Malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm, including carcinoid tumors
• Myeloid neoplasms, including myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myeloid malignancies associated with eosinophilia and abnormalities of growth factor receptors derived from platelets or fibroblasts

The WTC Health Program has developed a Policy and Procedure document for Rare Cancers that defines the list above. If you would like more information on Rare Cancers, please refer to the Policy and Procedure document.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Note: Only WTC Responders are eligible to be certified for musculoskelatal disorders. The disorder must be related to your 9/11 work and you must have proof that you received medical care for the injury before September 11, 2003.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
• Low back pain
• Other musculoskeletal disorders