Washington — A traveling NIOSH exhibit spotlights research that has advanced medical treatment and awareness of the health problems experienced by workers who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
An effort of the NIOSH World Trade Center Health Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Museum, Health Effects of 9/11 debuted Oct. 18 at the national memorial for the victims of the Flight 93 plane crash near Shanksville, PA. The exhibit is set to remain on display through May.
About 400,000 people were exposed to “toxic contaminants, risk of physical injury, and physically and emotionally stressful conditions” after separate attacks in New York City and Shanksville, and at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA, NIOSH says.
Additionally, exposure to dust, smoke, debris and the overall trauma of 9/11 has resulted in 84,000 cases of physical and mental health conditions, according to the agency.
The exhibit features more information about WTC-related health conditions and exposures, as well as 9/11 responder survivor stories and a video of program member testimonials.
“As the World Trade Center Health Program continues our mission to provide compassionate medical care and treatment to more than 127,000 members who were impacted by 9/11, we draw inspiration from the resilience of the brave community of 9/11 responders and survivors we are privileged to help heal,” Capt. Lisa Delaney, director of the program, said in a press release.
“The program thanks our partners at the Flight 93 National Memorial for sharing this important exhibition with their visitors, which helps us reach more survivors and responders around the country in need and deserving of care.”
