Asbestos Aftermath of 9/11
Studies have shown that an estimated 70% of all rescue and recovery workers who toiled in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks currently suffer from some sort of respiratory ailment. Most of these individuals report that these symptoms are new since they worked at Ground Zero. Those who already had existing respiratory concerns report that their illnesses or disorders have worsened.
Though some government agencies have downplayed the seriousness of inhaling the toxins released by the 9/11 tragedy, it's clear that the majority of rescue and recovery workers, as well as some WTC office workers and local residents, have suffered from exposure to asbestos and other chemicals. The question is, "What Do I Do Now?"
Keeping Tabs on Your Health
Since shortly after September 11, 2001, some local Manhattan hospitals have screened first responders and others close to the site to determine whether or not they have developed some sort of respiratory disorder.
In particular, from 2002 until 2004, Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown New York City x-rayed approximately 10,000 people who were caught in the aftermath of the disaster, including paid clean-up workers as well as volunteers. (New York firefighters are tested by means of a separate program run by the NYFD.) The results showed that nearly three-quarters of those evaluated were suffering from respiratory problems.
In order to provide Ground Zero workers with additional and continued evaluation as well as clinical care at no cost, Mount Sinai has established the World Trade Center Health Effects Treatment Program, funded through philanthropic support and coordinated by the Mount Sinai-Selikoff Center, an internationally-respected diagnostic, treatment, and referral center for occupationally-related illnesses. http://www.wtcexams.org/wtchetp.html
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say they have set aside an additional $81 million for continued screening, which may last through the end of 2007.
Recently conducted studies have revealed that many workers who suffered problems during the days or months they worked at Ground Zero are still complaining of the same respiratory difficulties more than 5 years later. That's why it's important for the screening process to continue.
Those who are eligible can continue being screened at Mt. Sinai. However, those who don't meet eligibility requirements should be periodically evaluated by their own hospital or physician, especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pains. If you already had a respiratory illness, such as asthma or sinusitis, and it has worsened, it is also important to be continuously monitored for the development of more serious lung diseases such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
More on the World Trade Center, 9/11, and Asbestos
Last modified: December 12 2007.
