A new study, published in Contemporary Economic Policy, found that individuals who used to smoke started smoking again after 9/11.  As a result of the stress felt by the attack, between 950 thousand and 1.3 million former smokers started smoking again.  In the two years following 9/11, there was a nationwide increase in smoking prevalence of 2.3 percent.

The research examined the effects of stress and smoking following an act of terrorism.  The study looked at both 9/11 and the Oklahoma City bombing, considering the economic impact of the increased smoking prevalence.  Collecting data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the researchers found that there was no increase in smoking prevalence after the Oklahoma City bombing.  The magnitude of 9/11 is thought to have caused significantly higher stress levels, leading to former smokers turning back to smoking to cope.

The study also considered the economic ramifications of increased smoking.  They found that increased smoking after 9/11 cost the government $530 million to $830 million based on changes in the use of Medicaid and Medicare services, productivity losses due to illnesses related to smoking, and decreased tax revenue as a result of those that are working less.

Stress is well-known to be associated with smoking.  Resources for individuals that want to quit smoking identify the need to manage stress as part of the quitting process.  Ceasing smoking during a higher stress time is acknowledged to be more difficult because smoking feels like it has a calming effect.  However, studies have shown that smoking increases long-term stress and nicotine causes or exacerbates stress.  The “high” of smoking provides a sense of stress relief, while the effects on the body show otherwise.

The increased smoking rate is not the only health effect of 9/11.  The City of New York collected study information about ongoing health impacts.  The most common impact was post-traumatic stress disorder.  One-fifth of adults in NYC suffers or suffered from PTSD following 9/11.  Some studies also indicate an increase in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center.

Research has also focused on the health effects for rescue workers that responded to 9/11.  There is a higher incidence of mental and physical illness.  This group has a 19 percent higher risk of developing cancer, though their mortality rate is lower.  There is also a higher rate of comorbidities such as asthma, sinusitis, or GERD, combined with a mental illness or PTSD, depression, or panic disorder, combined with a physical condition.