http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/world/story/0,4386,209183,00.html?Heroes battle health problems
WASHINGTON - When Mr Dan Kochensparger was on his hands and knees sifting through cement, metal and other debris at the World Trade Center site in New York, specks were floating in the thick air. He did not think about what they were.
He was doing his job as a hazardous materials specialist, monitoring the wreckage as he and other members of Ohio's emergency response team searched for survivors of the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The breathing problems came later.
'The air was pretty much filled with particulate matter the whole time,' said Mr Kochensparger.
more...
About 7,500 of the estimated 30,000 workers who toiled at the ruins have been examined. Preliminary results from 1,100 patients screened between July 2002 and April 2003 show 48 per cent of workers with ear, nose and throat problems such as nasal congestion, hoarseness, headaches and throat irritation.
Thirty per cent have pulmonary problems, including shortness of breath. --
This is a travesty! :bounce: