9/11 Responders Still Have Lung Problems

February 2009

Exposure to toxic dust from the collapse of the twin towers is likely responsible for 9/11 responders' persistent lung problems, according to researchers.

Mount Sinai Medical Center's medical monitoring program examined more than 3,000 responders between 2004 and 2007, repeating exams conducted between the middle of 2002 and 2004. The researchers found that over 24 percent of the patients had abnormal lung function. They said this finding proves persistent illness in people exposed to toxic dust.

Since the 2001 attacks, experts have tried to find standards to define post-September 11 illness and the amount of time it would take to develop. The study appeared in CHEST, a journal published by the American College of Chest Physicians.