In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers report that World Trade Center rescue workers – first responders such as firefighters as well as emergency medical workers, did experience substantial drops in lung function. They have been tested over a seven year period (2001-2008).
During that seven year period, rescue workers were tested every 12 to 18 months. Tests confirm there has been little or no improvement. Overall, researchers found that workers lost 10% of lung function, and it likely will not be coming back.
It is not unusual for firefighters, after fires, to experience declines in lung function, but to a much smaller degree. And, function usually returns within a few weeks. However, in the attack on the World Trade Center, the fire consisted of jet fuel and other deadly toxins not normally found in a “regular” fire.
13% of firefighters and 22% of emergency medical workers who involved in the rescue efforts during the World Trade Center attack were found to have declines in their lung function. Lawsuits continue, and this new study could have an impact.