LC-Asthma

Summary of Lung Article: - Rescue workers who were present at ground zero around September 11, 2001 are contracting asthma at a rate that is extremely more than a usual percentage; specifically 3.3% higher than a normal group of people surveyed. Doctors suspect that dust clouds and smoke directly following the tragedy with a shortage of facial masks caused this rise in asthma. - The workers had an increased chance of 3% more likely every 10 days they spent on the site. Facial masks are only moderately protective. - The city had a major lack of official facial protection. Firefighters resorted to stopping at hardware stores to pick up weak utility masks. - The most successful and preventative mask is the disposable cartridge mask...however this is not a good choice because the compressed air runs out in only half an hour; and they are often not worn properly. - The city has requirements to wear such protective gear, but in the face of this danger...workers did what they could to prevent immediate damage not worrying about the long term effects the dust would have on their lungs after days of working and cleaning ground zero. - The city has this program to reach out to workers, and witnesses of ground zero...around 71,000 people are enrolled in the health survey program