Study Shows 9/11 Rescue Workers Plagued by Respiratory Problems
By Daniel Hawn
Published on September 07, 2006
On Tuesday, Mount Sinai Medical Center released the results of the large-scale study, which included 9,442 ground zero workers, including police, firefighters, construction workers, and volunteers. Among its chief findings, the study reveals that those who responded to the attacks first suffered the most severe health consequences.
Dr. Robin Herbert of Mount Sinai Medical Center said that those involved in rescue or recovery efforts were subjected to asbestos, benzene, and pulverized glass and cement. He indicated that the study may suggest the presence of widespread health problems among 9/11 rescue workers and those who lived or worked near ground zero in the months following the attacks.
Among the study’s central findings are:
• Nearly 70 percent of rescue workers suffered new or worsened lung problems from their work at ground zero.
• 61 percent of workers who had no health symptoms prior to the attacks incurred respiratory problems.
• 33 percent of the workers tested had abnormal lung function tests.
The study’s results were released in the wake of a class action lawsuit filed against New York City and its contractors. The suit, representing 8,000 workers and civilians, claims the 9/11 attacks resulted in sinusitis, cancers, and other medical conditions.
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