Researchers from New York and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Ohio found that arrival time and length of exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster were significant predictors of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline among firefighters. Three weeks after the disaster, researchers screened 362 firefighters (319 exposed and 43 unexposed) for length of time and work activities at the disaster site, respirator use, and respiratory symptoms. Pre-WTC and post-WTC exposure spirometry measurements were available for 289 exposed firefighters and 34 unexposed firefighters. A control group of 735 unexposed firefighters with two pre-WTC spirograms was used as a comparison. Results showed that firefighters present in the first 48 hours reported greater respiratory symptoms than those present on days three to seven, and greater lung function decline than the control group. Firefighters working for seven or more days in the first two weeks at the WTC site had a 32 percent increase in respiratory symptoms than firefighters working less than seven days. Compared to unexposed firefighters, exposed firefighters had elevated symptoms, such as eye irritation, sore throat, daily cough, and nasal congestion. The study appears in the April issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians. *NOTE: The embargo for this study lifted April 6, 4 PM Eastern.

WTC IRONWORKERS AFFLICTED WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

New York and Los Angeles researchers found that ironworkers present at the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster demonstrated a high incidence of respiratory symptoms, with cough being the most common complaint. Ninety-six ironworkers who spent at least three days at the disaster site underwent a medical and exposure history, physical exam focusing on respiratory systems, spirometry, and chest radiographs. Sevent
'"/>

Contact: Arielle Green
agreen@chestnet.org
847-498-8387
American College of Chest Physicians
12-Apr-2004