On July 5, 2016 NIOSH published a new rule in the Federal Register to add new-onset COPD and WTC-related acute traumatic injury for treatment under the World Trade Center Health Program. The rule becomes final on August 4, 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Previously covered and included on the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions was “COPD which was exacerbated by 9\/11 exposure”. The new ruling permits the WTC Health Program to certify cases of COPD determined to have been caused or contributed by 9\/11 exposures (“new-onset”).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, previously covered and included on the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions was “musculoskeletal disorders”, considered to be caused by WTC-related repetitive motion or heavy lifting. The new ruling adds “WTC-related acute traumatic injury”, defined as “a type of injury characterized by physical damage to a person’s body that must have been caused by and occurred immediately after exposure to hazards or adverse conditions characterized by a one-time exposure to energy resulting from the terrorist attacks of their aftermath”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each WTC Health Program member’s health condition will be evaluated in accordance with the Program’s published policies and procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n