The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks from a dermatology perspective: A remembrance

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Dermatology
• Public Health

Background:

• The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks resulted in widespread casualties and numerous health issues for survivors and first responders.
• Two decades later, many individuals continue to experience persistent health problems stemming from their exposure during the attacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the dermatologic injuries sustained on September 11, 2001.
• To review the chronic skin conditions that have affected survivors and responders in the subsequent two decades.
• To acknowledge the health consequences faced by first responders.

Main Methods:

• Review of dermatologic injuries from the September 11 attacks.
• Analysis of chronic skin conditions reported by survivors and responders over nearly 20 years.
• Recognition of first responder efforts and their associated health impacts.

Main Results:

• Acute injuries included burns and lacerations.
• Chronic skin conditions encompass sarcoidosis, autoimmune diseases, skin lesions, irritation, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and melanoma.
• First responders face ongoing health consequences impacting themselves and those they treated.

Conclusions:

• The dermatologic health impact of the September 11 attacks is long-lasting.
• Survivors and first responders continue to suffer from a range of chronic skin conditions.
• The heroism of first responders is recognized, alongside the enduring health challenges they face.