New research has shed light on the long-term health impacts of dust and debris from the World Trade Center on 9/11 first responders. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, highlights the increased risk of dementia among those severely exposed to the debris, compared to those who wore protective equipment.
Study findings
Researchers at Stony Brook University analyzed data from 5,010 responders in the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program. They found that severe exposure to building debris significantly heightened the risk of dementia before age 65. This association remained even after adjusting for demographic, medical, and social factors.
Sean Clouston, one of the study’s authors, noted the surprising prevalence of dementia among relatively young responders. The median age of participants at the start was 53. “Dementia is typically a concern for those in their 70s or 80s. Here, rates were very high,” he told CBS News.
This study builds on earlier findings from the same team, which revealed that 9/11 responders exhibited cognitive impairment at about three times the rate of the general population. The current study is the first to link debris exposure directly to dementia and demonstrate the potential mitigating effect of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Clouston explained that fine particles and chemicals in the air at the World Trade Center site were neurotoxic and could penetrate the blood-brain barrier, affecting brain health.
Ongoing health concerns
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants and stress following the 9/11 attacks. Many responders now suffer from mental illnesses like PTSD, and numerous others have died from cancers and chronic lung diseases.
Dr. Benjamin Luft, co-author and director of the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program, emphasized the need for continued research. “The full extent of neurodegenerative disease still needs to be determined,” he said.
Global implications
The findings have broader implications for public health, particularly in response to disasters. Stefania Forner from the Alzheimer’s Association noted that while air pollution is a global health crisis linked to cognitive decline, the air quality at the World Trade Center was particularly hazardous.
Clouston hopes the study will inform future disaster responses, advocating for immediate use of PPE in similar situations. “We should assume the air is unsafe to breathe and act accordingly,” he advised.
In summary, while the research highlights significant risks, it also underscores the protective benefits of PPE, offering a glimmer of hope for mitigating future exposure impacts.