Five years after Sept. 11, seven out of 10 first responders and workers who toiled at Ground Zero suffer from chronic lung ailments that probably will be lifelong, doctors said yesterday in announcing the largest-ever study of 9/11 health effects.
The study of nearly 9,500 police officers, paramedics, construction workers and others by physicians at Mount Sinai Medical Center represents the first scientific evidence linking Ground Zero dust and debris to those health woes, vindicating doctors and patients who for years insisted the connection was undeniable.
The study focused mostly on so-called "World Trade Center cough," the main concern of health experts and advocates. Doctors at Mount Sinai also said they expect to find cancer among the study's participants in coming years.
It finds that those who arrived at the site between Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, 2001, were exposed to higher concentrations of asbestos, pulverized concrete, mercury and other toxins and are experiencing the worst symptoms.
Murder. Firemen, Policemen, First Responders...the backbone of civic security. |
