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Physician-Diagnosed Respiratory Conditions and Mental Health Symptoms Seven to Nine Years Following the World Trade Center Disaster
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Sep 2011
Source: Am J Ind Med. 54(9):661-671
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Alternative Title:Am J Ind Med
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Description:Background
This study examines the prevalence of physician-diagnosed respiratory conditions and mental health symptoms in firefighters and emergency medical service workers up to 9 years after rescue/recovery efforts at the World Trade Center (WTC).
Methods
We analyzed FDNY physician and self-reported diagnoses by WTC exposure and quintiles of pulmonary function (FEV1%predicted). We used screening instruments to assess probable PTSD and probable depression.
Results
FDNY physicians most commonly diagnosed asthma (8.8%) and sinusitis (9.7%). The highest prevalence of physician-diagnosed obstructive airway disease (OAD) was in the lowest FEV1%predicted quintile. Participants who arrived earliest on 9/11 were more likely to have physician-diagnosed asthma (OR=1.4). 7% had probable PTSD. 19.4% had probable depression.
Conclusions
Self-reported and physician-diagnosed respiratory conditions remain common, especially among those who arrived earliest at the WTC site. OAD was associated with the lowest pulmonary function. Since respiratory and mental health conditions remain prevalent, ongoing monitoring and treatment is important.
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Pubmed ID:21966080
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC3181470
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