Study Links Health Risks, 9/11.

Ellen Barry, Los Angeles Times:

The largest study of rescue workers at the World Trade Center site has found that 70% developed breathing problems while working there and — to the surprise of doctors — many were still suffering years later.

As they labored on "the pile," responders breathed in a caustic, pulverized dust that penetrated deep into their lungs and sinus cavities. The dust contained "trillions upon trillions of microscopic shards of glass," as well as asbestos and other carcinogens, Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, co-author of the study at Mount Sinai Medical Center, said Tuesday.

"So, what's going to be the future for these people? Will they die of the illnesses they are now suffering?" Landrigan said. "I don't know."

Researchers at Mount Sinai said they hoped the findings would establish a conclusive link between illness and work done at ground zero. Dr. Stephen Levin, the director of Mount Sinai's monitoring program and a co-author of the study, complained that his patients were "being called malingerers and liars and cheats" when they sought health benefits from the government.