9/11 survivors at high risk of heart and lung disease

9/11 survivors

According to a recent study, the survivors of the 9/11 terror attack on the World Trade Center who were exposed to the dust cloud or sustained physical injuries may be at an increased long-term risk of asthma, heart attack and other respiratory diseases.

Researchers at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene examined the association between physical injury or acute exposure to the dust cloud on the morning of September 11, 2001, and chronic disease up to 10-11 years later.

They found several injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, or sprains. A person sustained on 11th September 2001 associated with an increased risk of angina or heart attack in a dose-dependent manner. Which means that the risk of angina or a heart attack increased with every additional injury type.

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dust exposure

They found dust exposure, PTSD disorder and being a rescue worker. Also, current smoking associated with a higher risk of non-neoplastic lung disease other than asthma. While, dust exposure on its own was associated with an increased risk of asthma. None of these risk factors associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

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For study, researchers enrolled 8,701 people to examine the association between physical injury or acute exposure to the dust cloud. They found 92 incident cases of heart disease, 327 new cases of diabetes, 308 cases of asthma. Moreover, 297 cases of non-neoplastic lung disease among 7,503 area workers, 249 rescue workers, 131 residents and 818 passersby.

Our findings indicate that intense exposure on a single day. The first day of the disaster contributes substantially to the risk of developing chronic conditions, said, Robert Brackbill from New York City Department of Health. Continued monitoring of people who present near the WTC on 11th September medical providers warranted for the foreseeable future.

More information: [Injury Epidemiology]