World Trade Center related health among NYC firefighters and EMS workers

Jennifer Yip, Mayris P. Webber, Rachel Zeig-Owens, Madeline Vossbrinck, Ankura Singh, Theresa Schwartz, David J. Prezant

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

After the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks on September 11, 2001, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) instituted a WTC medical monitoring and treatment program and established a data center to document health outcomes in the WTC-exposed workforce of ~16,000 firefighters and EMS workers. FDNY WTC medical monitoring exams are scheduled every 12-18 months, and physical and mental health treatment appointments are provided as needed. FDNY research studies have consistently found that early arrival to work and/or prolonged work at the WTC site increased the risks for adverse physical and mental health outcomes. To date, a substantial proportion has been diagnosed with obstructive airways disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease; a quarter has two or more of these conditions. And, over 1500 responders have been certified by the federal government as having a WTC-related cancer. FDNY firefighters and EMS workers who arrived during the morning of 9/11 had the highest health burden across most physical and mental health outcomes. Continued follow-up of late emerging diseases such as cancers and autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases remains a priority area for future study.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Trade Center Pulmonary Diseases and Multi-Organ System Manifestations
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages137-153
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9783319593722
ISBN (Print)9783319593715
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 29 2017

Keywords

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • World Trade Center

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

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