9/11 rescue workers suffered severe lung injuries

New York City firemen and emergency personnel exposed to dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center experienced a decrease in lung function capability equal to 12 years of age-related decline during the year following the 9/11 disaster, according to a study by the American Thoracic Society.

From the very start of the rescue and recovery effort, fire department personnel were exposed to airborne pollutants, including pulverized building materials and combustion products.

The study found that 13.7 percent of the rescue workers experienced early high intensity exposure to the dust by arriving the morning of 9/11 and being present during the collapse of the North and South Towers. About 67.8 percent had intermediate intensity exposure by arriving on the two days following the collapse and nearly 16 percent had low intensity by arriving on or after the third day.

While the study focused on arrival times to determine the severity of injury, it also cited the lack of protective equipment as a major hindrance. “The problem could have been solved with early and well-trained use of simple respiratory protective equipment,” the study found. “Let us be better prepared for future disasters in many ways, including institution of plans to protect emergency responders from unnecessary occupational exposure to irritant dusts.”