TIME (4/17, Worland) reports that a study published online April 15 in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that almost “17% of emergency medical service (EMS) workers who responded to the 9/11 terrorist attacks display symptoms of depression and 7% show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” The study, which was “conducted by researchers for the New York Fire Department, evaluated the health of nearly 2,300 New York City Fire Department EMS workers over a 12-year period.” Besides PTSD and depression, “EMS workers experienced a number of conditions that affected their physical health, including 12% who experienced acid reflux disease and 3% who experienced cancer.”
HealthDay (4/17, Reinberg) reports that an increased risk for sinus infections as well as for obstructive airway disease was also increased in EMS workers. What’s more, “those who arrived at the scene right after the attack were most at risk of these physical and psychological conditions, researchers said.” Unfortunately, “EMS workers and other individuals who were exposed to the World Trade Center disaster remain at high risk of developing additional health problems…said” Mayris Webber, DrPH, of the New York City Fire Department’s Bureau of Health Services.
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— “Health Problems Linger for 9/11 First Responders,” Justin Worland, Time, April 16, 2015.