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de la Hoz RE, Jeon Y, Doucette JT, Reeves AP, Estépar RSJ, Celedón JC. Cluster Analysis of World Trade Center Related Lower Airway Diseases. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:179-184. [PMID: 38305727 PMCID: PMC10842254 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: Cluster analysis can classify without a priori assumptions the heterogeneous chronic lower airway diseases found in former workers at the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site. Methods: We selected the first available chest computed tomography scan with quantitative computed tomography measurements on 311 former WTC workers with complete clinical, and spirometric data from their closest surveillance visit. We performed a nonhierarchical iterative algorithm K-prototype cluster analysis, using gap measure. Results: A five-cluster solution was most satisfactory. Cluster 5 had the healthiest individuals. In cluster 4, smoking was most prevalent and intense but there was scant evidence of respiratory disease. Cluster 3 had symptomatic subjects with reduced forced vital capacity impairment (low FVC). Clusters 1 and 2 had less dyspneic subjects, but more functional and quantitative computed tomography evidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in cluster 1, or low FVC in cluster 2. Clusters 1 and 4 had the highest proportion of rapid first-second forced expiratory volume decliners. Conclusions: Cluster analysis confirms low FVC and COPD/pre-COPD as distinctive chronic lower airway disease phenotypes on long-term surveillance of the WTC workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yunho Jeon
- Divisions of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John T. Doucette
- Biostatistics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony P. Reeves
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Juan C. Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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de la Hoz RE, Shapiro M, Nolan A, Sood A, Lucchini RG, Cone JE, Celedón JC. Association of World Trade Center (WTC) Occupational Exposure Intensity with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma COPD Overlap (ACO). Lung 2023; 201:325-334. [PMID: 37468611 PMCID: PMC10763856 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00636-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reported associations between World Trade Center (WTC) occupational exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma COPD overlap (ACO) have been inconsistent. Using spirometric case definitions, we examined that association in the largest WTC occupational surveillance cohort. METHODS We examined the relation between early arrival at the 2001 WTC disaster site (when dust and fumes exposures were most intense) and COPD and ACO in workers with at least one good quality spirometry with bronchodilator response testing between 2002 and 2019, and no physician-diagnosed COPD before 9/11/2001. COPD was defined spirometrically as fixed airflow obstruction and ACO as airflow obstruction plus an increase of ≥ 400 ml in FEV1 after bronchodilator administration. We used a nested 1:4 case-control design matching on age, sex and height using incidence density sampling. RESULTS Of the 17,928 study participants, most were male (85.3%) and overweight or obese (84.9%). Further, 504 (2.8%) and 244 (1.4%) study participants met the COPD and ACO spirometric case definitions, respectively. In multivariable analyses adjusted for smoking, occupation, cohort entry period, high peripheral blood eosinophil count and other covariates, early arrival at the WTC site was associated with both COPD (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.78) and ACO (ORadj = 1.55, 95%CI 1.04-2.32). CONCLUSION In this cohort of WTC workers, WTC exposure intensity was associated with spirometrically defined COPD and ACO. Our findings suggest that early arrival to the WTC site is a risk factor for the development of COPD or of fixed airway obstruction in workers with pre-existing asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael E de la Hoz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, WTC HP CCE Box 1059, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Moshe Shapiro
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Nolan
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akshay Sood
- Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James E Cone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, WTC Health Registry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Harrison D, Reibman J. World Trade Center-related asthma: clinical care essentials. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2023:1-6. [PMID: 36938642 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2023.2185191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is defined as a heterogeneous disease with respiratory symptoms (wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough) that vary over time and intensity, and variable expiratory airflow limitation. Environmental and occupational exposures contribute to its causation. WTC-related or aggravated asthma is considered a World Trace Center (WTC) Health Program certifiable disease. Criteria include defined exposures to the WTC dust and fumes, the presence of symptoms, or aggravated symptoms that are present within 5 years after the last potential for WTC dust/fume exposures (the last 9/11 exposures occurred on July 31, 2002), and a WTC-provider diagnosis of asthma. Asthma is the 3rd most common non-cancer certification among WTC responders and survivors. In this review we provide evidence-based information on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with WTC-related or aggravated asthma and include peer-reviewed research findings in WTC-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Harrison
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Mears MJ, Aslaner DM, Barson CT, Cohen MD, Gorr MW, Wold LE. Health effects following exposure to dust from the World Trade Center disaster: An update. Life Sci 2022; 289:120147. [PMID: 34785191 PMCID: PMC8791014 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to dust, smoke, and fumes containing volatile chemicals and particulate matter (PM) from the World Trade Center (WTC) towers' collapse impacted thousands of citizens and first responders (FR; firefighters, medicals staff, police officers) of New York City. Surviving FR and recovery workers are increasingly prone to age-related diseases that their prior WTC dust exposures might expedite or make worse. This review provides an overview of published WTC studies concerning FR/recovery workers' exposure and causal mechanisms of age-related disease susceptibility, specifically those involving the cardiopulmonary and neurological systems. This review also highlights the recent findings of the major health effects of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological health sequelae from WTC dust exposure. To better treat those that risked their lives during and after the disaster of September 11, 2001, the deleterious mechanisms that WTC dust exposure exerted and continue to exert on the heart, lungs, and brain of FR must be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mears
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - David M Aslaner
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Chad T Barson
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Mitchell D Cohen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Matthew W Gorr
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
| | - Loren E Wold
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute and Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
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Carlsten C, Gulati M, Hines S, Rose C, Scott K, Tarlo SM, Torén K, Sood A, de la Hoz RE. COVID-19 as an occupational disease. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:227-237. [PMID: 33491195 PMCID: PMC8014565 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 permeates all aspects of society worldwide. Initial medical reports and media coverage have increased awareness of the risk imposed on healthcare workers in particular, during this pandemic. However, the health implications of COVID-19 for the global workforce are multifaceted and complex, warranting careful reflection and consideration to mitigate the adverse effects on workers worldwide. Accordingly, our review offers a framework for considering this topic, highlighting key issues, with the aim to prompt and inform action, including research, to minimize the occupational hazards imposed by this ongoing challenge. We address respiratory disease as a primary concern, while recognizing the multisystem spectrum of COVID-19-related disease and how clinical aspects are interwoven with broader socioeconomic forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory MedicineThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Mridu Gulati
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep MedicineYale UniversityNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Stella Hines
- Department of MedicineUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Cecile Rose
- Department of Medicine, Division of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, National Jewish HealthUniversity of Colorado DenverDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Kenneth Scott
- Denver Health and Hospital AuthorityDenver Public HealthDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Susan M. Tarlo
- Occupational & Environmental Health Division, University Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Kjell Torén
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Division, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Occupational and Environmental MedicineSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Akshay Sood
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | - Rafael E. de la Hoz
- Division of Occupational and Environmental MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Brite J, Friedman S, de la Hoz RE, Reibman J, Cone J. Mental health, long-term medication adherence, and the control of asthma symptoms among persons exposed to the WTC 9/11 disaster. J Asthma 2020; 57:1253-1262. [PMID: 31550944 PMCID: PMC7594532 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2019.1672722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: A positive association between mental health conditions and poor asthma control has been documented in the World Trade Center-exposed population. Whether factors such as medication adherence mediate this association is unknown.Methods: The study population was drawn from adult participants of the World Trade Center Health Registry Cohort who self-reported as asthmatic after the disaster and who were currently prescribed a long-term control medication (LTCM). Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the associations between mental health condition (PTSD, depression, or anxiety) and continuous adherence and Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores.Results: In the study sample of 1,293, 49% were not adherent to their LTCM and two thirds reported poorly or very poorly controlled asthma. Presence of any mental health condition was associated with a 2-point decline in ACT and half a point decrease in adherence scores. However, in the multivariable model, better adherence was statistically significantly associated with slightly worse control.Conclusions: The total effect of mental health on asthma control was opposite in sign from the product of the paths between mental health and adherence and adherence and asthma control; we therefore found no evidence to support the hypothesis that adherence mediated the negative association between poor mental health and adequate asthma control. More research is needed to understand the complex causal mechanisms that underlie the association between mental and respiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brite
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Friedman
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Rafael E. de la Hoz
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine
at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine,
Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY,
USA
| | - James Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, New York City
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY, USA
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Haghighi A, Cone JE, Li J, de la Hoz RE. Asthma-COPD overlap in World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees, 2015-2016. J Asthma 2020; 58:1415-1423. [PMID: 32930623 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1817935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is a newly redefined form of chronic airway disease and has not been well studied among 9/11-exposed populations with increased prevalence of asthma. We assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with ACO in an exposure cohort of World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollees. METHODS This is a longitudinal study, including enrollees with complete data on 9/11/01 exposure at enrollment (2003-2004, Wave 1), asthma and COPD diagnoses and at least 25 years of age at the time of the 2015-2016 (Wave 4) WTCHR survey. Probable ACO was defined as self-reported post-9/11 physician-diagnosed asthma and either emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. We evaluated whether probable ACO was associated with World Trade Center (WTC)-related exposures, using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 36,864 Wave 4 participants, 29,911 were eligible for this analysis, and 1,495 (5.0%) had self-reported post-9/11 probable ACO. After adjusting for demographics and smoking status, we found 38% increased odds of having ACO in enrollees with exposure to the dust cloud, and up to 3.39 times the odds in those with ≥3 injuries sustained on 9/11. Among rescue/recovery workers, ever working on the pile, on the pile on 9/11 or 9/12/01, or working on the WTC site for >7 days showed increased odds ratios of having ACO. CONCLUSION Probable ACO is associated with WTC exposures. Further study of ACO is needed to understand the development of this and other environmentally or occupationally-related airway diseases, and how to prevent these in disasters like 9/11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asieh Haghighi
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, WTC Health Registry, New York, NY, USA
| | - James E Cone
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, WTC Health Registry, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Li
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, WTC Health Registry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rafael E de la Hoz
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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de la Hoz RE, Shapiro M, Nolan A, Celedón JC, Szeinuk J, Lucchini RG. Association of low FVC spirometric pattern with WTC occupational exposures. Respir Med 2020; 170:106058. [PMID: 32843177 PMCID: PMC7605357 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2020.106058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reduced forced vital capacity without obstruction (low FVC) is the predominant spirometric abnormality reported in workers and volunteers exposed to dust, gases, and fumes at the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site in 2001-2002. While low FVC has been associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, its association with WTC occupational exposures has not been demonstrated. We estimated the prevalence of this abnormality and examined its association with WTC exposure level. METHODS Longitudinal study of the relation between arrival at the WTC site within 48 h and FVC below the lower limit of normal (FVC < LLN, with normal FEV1/FVC ratio) at any time in 10,284 workers with at least two spirometries between 2002 and 2018. Logistic regression and linear mixed models were used for the multivariable analyses. RESULTS The prevalence of low FVC increased from 17.0% (95% CI 15.4%, 18.5%) in June 2003, to 26.4% (95% CI 24.8%, 28.1%) in June 2018, and exceeded at both times that of obstruction. The rate of FVC decline was -43.7 ml/year during the study period. In a multivariable analysis adjusting for obesity, metabolic syndrome indicators, and other factors, early arrival at the WTC disaster site was significantly associated with low FVC, but only among men (ORadj = 1.29, 95% CI 1.17, 1.43). Longitudinal FVC rate of decline did not differ by WTC site arrival time. CONCLUSIONS Among WTC workers, the prevalence of low FVC increased over a 16-year period. Early arrival to the WTC disaster site was significantly associated with low FVC in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael E de la Hoz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Moshe Shapiro
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Anna Nolan
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jaime Szeinuk
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology, and Prevention, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, and Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Weber J, Reeves AP, Doucette JT, Jeon Y, Sood A, San José Estépar R, Celedón JC, de la Hoz RE. Quantitative CT Evidence of Airway Inflammation in WTC Workers and Volunteers with Low FVC Spirometric Pattern. Lung 2020; 198:555-563. [PMID: 32239319 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-020-00350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most common abnormal spirometric pattern reported in WTC worker and volunteer cohorts has consistently been that of a nonobstructive reduced forced vital capacity (low FVC). Low FVC is associated with obesity, which is highly prevalent in these cohorts. We used quantitative CT (QCT) to investigate proximal and distal airway inflammation and emphysema in participants with stable low FVC pattern. METHODS We selected study participants with at least two available longitudinal surveillance spirometries, and a chest CT with QCT measurements of proximal airway inflammation (wall area percent, WAP), end-expiratory air trapping, suggestive of distal airway obstruction (expiratory to inspiratory mean lung attenuation ratio, MLAEI), and emphysema (percentage of lung volume with attenuation below - 950 HU, LAV%). The comparison groups in multinomial logistic regression models were participants with consistently normal spirometries, and participants with stable fixed obstruction (COPD). RESULTS Compared to normal spirometry participants, and after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, smoking, and early arrival at the WTC disaster site, low FVC participants had higher WAP (ORadj 1.24, 95% CI 1.06, 1.45, per 5% unit), suggestive of proximal airway inflammation, but did not differ in MLAEI, or LAV%. COPD participants did not differ in WAP with the low FVC ones and were more likely to have higher MLAEI or LAV% than the other two subgroups. DISCUSSION WTC workers with spirometric low FVC have higher QCT-measured WAP compared to those with normal spirometries, but did not differ in distal airway and emphysema measurements, independently of obesity, smoking, and other covariates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Weber
- Department of Research and Education, Saint Francis Hospital, Roslyn, NY, USA
| | - Anthony P Reeves
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - John T Doucette
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yunho Jeon
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akshay Sood
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Juan C Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rafael E de la Hoz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, WTC HP CCE Box 1059, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Abstract
Rationale: Exposure to a variety of substances in the workplace can cause new-onset asthma or aggravate preexisting asthma, both of which are considered work-related asthma (WRA). Understanding trends in the nature and causes of WRA can assist in the diagnosis and management of adult patients with asthma.Objective: To describe trends over 31 years of WRA surveillance in Michigan.Methods: Michigan law requires reporting of all known or suspected cases of occupational disease. WRA was confirmed by review of a standardized telephone interview and patient medical records. Enforcement inspections at the workplaces of the WRA cases included air monitoring and evaluation for asthma and asthma symptoms among coworkers.Results: The Michigan surveillance program identified 3,634 WRA cases from 1988 to 2018, including nine deaths. The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 cases per 100,000 workers. Cases most frequently worked in manufacturing (56%), health care (12%), and education (4%). The cumulative incidence rate of WRA decreased in each of those three industries, while increasing in retail trade and accommodations and food services. The most common exposures to known asthma inducers were to cleaning agents and isocyanates; the percentage exposed to cleaning agents increased from 5% to 20%, and the percentage exposed to isocyanates decreased from 20% to 7%. Fifty-one percent had not applied for workers' compensation benefits. Only 5% of the 571 workplaces where air sampling was performed were above the allowable exposure limit. Fifteen percent (1,622 of 10,493) of coworkers of the index cases reported onset of asthma since beginning to work at the facility or being bothered at work by daily or weekly chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.Conclusions: The industries and exposures where Michigan adults develop WRA have changed during the past 31 years. The identification of WRA cases, including WRA deaths, underscores the need for continued vigilance to monitor changes in where and how workers are exposed to asthma-causing agents, physician consideration of workplace exposures in new-onset or worsening adult asthma, and adoption of workplace standards that reduce exposure and require workplace medical monitoring to prevent and reduce the morbidity and mortality of WRA.
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de la Hoz RE, Jeon Y, Reeves AP, José Estépar RS, Liu X, Doucette JT, Celedón JC, Nolan A. Increased pulmonary artery diameter is associated with reduced FEV 1 in former World Trade Center workers. THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2019; 13:614-623. [PMID: 31347281 PMCID: PMC6783324 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Occupational exposures at the WTC site after September 11, 2001 have been associated with several presumably inflammatory lower airway diseases. Pulmonary arterial enlargement, as suggested by an increased ratio of the diameter of the pulmonary artery to the diameter of the aorta (PAAr) has been reported as a computed tomographic (CT) scan marker of adverse respiratory health outcomes, including WTC-related disease. In this study, we sought to utilize a novel quantitative CT (QCT) measurement of PAAr to test the hypothesis that an increased ratio is associated with FEV1 below each subject's statistically determined lower limit of normal (FEV1 < LLN). METHODS In a group of 1,180 WTC workers and volunteers, we examined whether FEV1 < LLN was associated with an increased QCT-measured PAAr, adjusting for previously identified important covariates. RESULTS Unadjusted analyses showed a statistically significant association of FEV1 < LLN with PAAr (35.3% vs 24.7%, P = 0.0001), as well as with height, body mass index, early arrival at the WTC disaster site, shorter WTC exposure duration, post-traumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL) score, wall area percent and evidence of bronchodilator response. The multivariate logistic regression model confirmed the association of FEV1 < LLN with PAAr (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21, 2.20, P = 0.0015) and all the unadjusted associations, except for PCL score. CONCLUSIONS In WTC workers, FEV1 < LLN is associated with elevated PAAr which, although likely multifactorial, may be related to distal vasculopathy, as has been hypothesized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael E. de la Hoz
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yunho Jeon
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony P. Reeves
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John T. Doucette
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan C. Celedón
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna Nolan
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Sharma KI, Abraham R, Mowrey W, Toh J, Rosenstreich D, Jariwala S. The association between pollutant levels and asthma-related emergency department visits in the Bronx after the World Trade Center attacks. J Asthma 2018; 56:1049-1055. [PMID: 30359141 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2018.1531989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the potential impact of the World Trade Center (WTC) attacks on asthma-related emergency department visits (AREDV) in the New York City borough of the Bronx. Methods: We obtained daily nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) values from the National Climatic Data Center's collection station in the Bronx from 1999 and 2002, a year before and after the WTC attacks. We compared daily AREDV and pollutant levels between 1999 and 2002 using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. We considered each season separately due to seasonal variations of AREDV and pollutants. We then used multiple linear regression models to assess the relationships between the changes in AREDV and the changes in pollutants from 1999 to 2002 in each season. Results: There were statistically significant increases from 1999 to 2002 in the daily NO2 in the summer. Significant increases for daily SO2 and O3 values from 1999 to 2002 occurred in all seasons. Significant increases occurred in daily AREDV values in the spring and fall. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that increases in the daily O3 values were significantly associated with increases in AREDV from 1999 to 2002 in the summer season. Conclusion: We observed a possible association between the WTC attacks and significant increases in O3 and SO2 for all seasons, and NO2 for the summer. AREDV significantly increased following the WTC attacks. Increases in daily O3 values were significantly associated with increases in AREDV in the summer season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunwar Ishan Sharma
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ryan Abraham
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Wenzhu Mowrey
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Toh
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - David Rosenstreich
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sunit Jariwala
- Division of Allergy/Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Increased Airway Wall Thickness is Associated with Adverse Longitudinal First-Second Forced Expiratory Volume Trajectories of Former World Trade Center workers. Lung 2018; 196:481-489. [PMID: 29797069 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-018-0125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Occupational exposures at the WTC site after September 11, 2001 have been associated with several presumably inflammatory lower airway diseases. In this study, we describe the trajectories of expiratory air flow decline, identify subgroups with adverse progression, and investigate the association of a quantitative computed tomography (QCT) imaging measurement of airway wall thickness, and other risk factors for adverse progression. METHODS We examined the trajectories of expiratory air flow decline in a group of 799 former WTC workers and volunteers with QCT-measured (with two independent systems) wall area percent (WAP) and at least 3 periodic spirometries. We calculated individual regression lines for first-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), identified subjects with rapidly declining and increasing ("gainers"), and compared them to subjects with normal and "stable" FEV1 decline. We used multivariate logistic regression to model decliner vs. stable trajectories. RESULTS The mean longitudinal FEV1slopes for the entire study population, and its stable, decliner, and gainer subgroups were, respectively, - 35.8, - 8, - 157.6, and + 173.62 ml/year. WAP was associated with "decliner" status (ORadj 1.08, 95% CI 1.02, 1.14, per 5% increment) compared to stable. Age, weight gain, baseline FEV1 percent predicted, bronchodilator response, and pre-WTC occupational exposures were also significantly associated with accelerated FEV1 decline. Analyses of gainers vs. stable subgroup showed WAP as a significant predictor in unadjusted but not consistently in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS The apparent normal age-related rate of FEV1 decline results from averaging widely divergent trajectories. WAP is significantly associated with accelerated air flow decline in WTC workers.
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15
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Newman DM. Protecting worker and public health during responses to catastrophic disasters-learning from the World Trade Center experience. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:1285-98. [PMID: 25255981 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite incremental lessons learned since 9/11, responder and community health remain at unnecessary risk during responses to catastrophic disasters, as evidenced during the BP Deepwater Horizon spill and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Sandy. Much of the health harm that occurs during disaster response, as distinct from during the disaster event itself, is avoidable. Protection of public health should be an integral component of disaster response, which should "do no additional harm." This commentary examines how challenges and gaps the World Trade Center response resulted in preventable occupational and environmental health harm. It proposes changes in disaster response policies to better protect the health of rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, and impacted worker and residential communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Newman
- New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH); 61 Broadway, Suite 1710 New York City New York
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16
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Abstract
Irritant-induced asthma in the workplace has been the focus of several articles in the past few years, and reviewed here. A clinical case definition is most readily associated with a single acute/accidental exposure to a presumed high concentration of an agent or agents expected to be irritant to the airways, as was initially reported with the subgroup Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS). When most but not all criteria for RADS are met, then a diagnosis of irritant-induced asthma may also be considered to be "more probable than not". However, in addition, there is evolving understanding from epidemiological studies that chronic exposures may be associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Despite this recognition, the mechanisms and clinical case definitions of work-related asthma that might be caused by chronic exposures to irritants (vs. new-onset asthma that begins coincidentally to work exposures), remain unclear at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Tarlo
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital EW7-449, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada,
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17
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Dalphin JC, Didier A. [Environmental causes of the distal airways disease. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and rare causes]. Rev Mal Respir 2013; 30:669-81. [PMID: 24182653 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is one of the most frequent causes of distal airways disease. It is associated with inflammation of the bronchioles, predominantly by lymphocytic infiltrates, and with granuloma formation causing bronchial obstruction. This inflammation explains the clinical manifestations and the airways obstruction seen on pulmonary function tests, most often in the distal airways but proximal in almost 20%. CT scan abnormalities reflect the lymphocytic infiltrates and air trapping and, in some cases, the presence of emphysema. Bronchiolitis induced by chronic inhalation of mineral particles or acute inhalation of toxic gases (such as NO2) are other examples of small airways damage due to environmental exposure. The pathophysiological mechanisms are different and bronchiolar damage is either exclusive or predominant. Bronchiolitis induced by tobacco smoke exposure, usually classified as interstitial pneumonitis, is easily diagnosed thanks to broncho-alveolar lavage. Its prognosis is linked to the other consequences of tobacco smoke exposure including respiratory insufficiency. Finally, the complex lung exposure observed in some rare cases (such as the World Trade Center fire or during wars) may lead to a less characteristic pattern of small airways disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-C Dalphin
- UMR CNRS 6249 « chrono-environnement », service de pneumologie, hôpital Jean-Minjoz, CHU, 2, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
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18
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 12:211-7. [PMID: 22382450 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e3283520fda] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the recent insights into the definition, causes, natural outcome, and key elements of irritant-induced asthma (IIA) management. RECENT FINDINGS IIA is a subtype of occupational asthma without immunologic sensitization and includes the typical reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS) and a more gradual form called not-so-sudden IIA, when onset of asthma follows repeated low-dose exposure to irritants. The World Trade Center tragedy brought new insight in the understanding of IIA, suggesting that it can exhibit a prolonged interval between exposure and recognition of clinical symptoms and disease. Dimethyl sulfate has been recently reported to cause RADS and repeated diesel exhaust exposure to cause not-so-sudden IIA in patients who worked in a bus garage. Cleaning workers who are exposed to a large variety of irritants and sensitizers are especially at risk of occupational asthma and IIA. SUMMARY IIA includes RADS and not-so-sudden IIA. Outcome of IIA is as poor as occupational asthma with sensitization. Treatment of IIA does not differ from standard asthma treatment, but high-dose vitamin D could be assessed further for possible therapeutic benefit.
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