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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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Wang Y, Berger KI, Zhang Y, Shao Y, Goldring RM, Reibman J, Liu M. Novel approach to studying effects of inhalational exposure on lung function in civilians exposed to the World Trade Center disaster. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3218. [PMID: 36828851 PMCID: PMC9958097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30030-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly important to study the impact of environmental inhalation exposures on human health in natural or man-made disasters in civilian populations. The members of the World Trade Center Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC; WTC Survivors) had complex exposures to environmental disaster from the destruction of WTC towers and can serve to reveal the effects of WTC exposure on the entire spectrum of lung functions. We aimed to investigate the associations between complex WTC exposures and measures of spirometry and oscillometry in WTC Survivors and included 3605 patients enrolled between Oct 1, 2009 and Mar 31, 2018. We performed latent class analysis and identified five latent exposure groups. We applied linear and quantile regressions to estimate the exposure effects on the means and various quantiles of pre-bronchodilator (BD) % predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as the resistance at an oscillating frequency of 5 Hz (R5), frequency dependence of resistance R5-20, and reactance area (AX). Compared with Group 5, which had low or unknown exposure and was treated as the reference group, Group 1, the local workers with both acute and chronic exposures, had a lower median of % predicted FVC (-3.6; 95% CI: -5.4, -1.7) and higher (more abnormal) measures of AX at 10th quantile (0.77 cmH2O L-1 s; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.13) and 25th quantile (0.80 cmH2O L-1 s; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.20). Results suggested heterogeneous exposures to the WTC disaster had differential effects on the distributions of lung functions in the WTC Survivors. These findings could provide insights for future investigation of environmental disaster exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Wang
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kenneth I Berger
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Yian Zhang
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Roberta M Goldring
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 180 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Grunig G, Durmus N, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Pehlivan S, Wang Y, Doo K, Cotrina-Vidal ML, Goldring R, Berger KI, Liu M, Shao Y, Reibman J. Molecular Clustering Analysis of Blood Biomarkers in World Trade Center Exposed Community Members with Persistent Lower Respiratory Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8102. [PMID: 35805759 PMCID: PMC9266229 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001 (9/11) released large amounts of toxic dusts and fumes into the air that exposed many community members who lived and/or worked in the local area. Many community members, defined as WTC survivors by the federal government, developed lower respiratory symptoms (LRS). We previously reported the persistence of these symptoms in patients with normal spirometry despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and/or long-acting bronchodilators. This report expands upon our study of this group with the goal to identify molecular markers associated with exposure and heterogeneity in WTC survivors with LRS using a selected plasma biomarker approach. Samples from WTC survivors with LRS (n = 73, WTCS) and samples from healthy control participants of the NYU Bellevue Asthma Registry (NYUBAR, n = 55) were compared. WTCS provided information regarding WTC dust exposure intensity. Hierarchical clustering of the linear biomarker data identified two clusters within WTCS and two clusters within NYUBAR controls. Comparison of the WTCS clusters showed that one cluster had significantly increased levels of circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 13), soluble inflammatory receptors (receptor for advanced glycation end-products-RAGE, Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), suppression of tumorigenicity (ST)2, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)1, IL-6Ra, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)RI, TNFRII), and chemokines (IL-8, CC chemokine ligand- CCL17). Furthermore, this WTCS cluster was associated with WTC exposure variables, ash at work, and the participant category workers; but not with the exposure variable WTC dust cloud at 9/11. A comparison of WTC exposure categorial variables identified that chemokines (CCL17, CCL11), circulating receptors (RAGE, TREM1), MMPs (MMP3, MMP12), and vascular markers (Angiogenin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-VCAM1) significantly increased in the more exposed groups. Circulating biomarkers of remodeling and inflammation identified clusters within WTCS and were associated with WTC exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Grunig
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
| | - Nedim Durmus
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
| | - Yian Zhang
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yuting Lu
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Sultan Pehlivan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
| | - Yuyan Wang
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kathleen Doo
- Pulmonary, Kaiser Permanente East Bay, Oakland, CA 94611, USA;
| | - Maria L. Cotrina-Vidal
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
| | - Roberta Goldring
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
| | - Kenneth I. Berger
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
| | - Mengling Liu
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joan Reibman
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (N.D.); (S.P.); (M.L.C.-V.); (R.G.); (K.I.B.)
- World Trade Center Environmental Health Center, NYC Health + Hospitals, New York, NY 10016, USA; (Y.Z.); (Y.L.); (Y.W.); (M.L.)
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Goldfarb DG, Putman B, Lahousse L, Zeig‐Owens R, Vaeth BM, Schwartz T, Hall CB, Prezant DJ, Weiden MD. Lung function decline before and after treatment of World Trade Center associated obstructive airways disease with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:853-860. [PMID: 34254700 PMCID: PMC9292780 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Greater than average loss of one‐second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) is a risk factor for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma/COPD overlap syndrome in World Trade Center (WTC)‐exposed firefighters. Inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting beta agonists (ICS/LABA) are used to treat obstructive airways disease but their impact on FEV1‐trajectory in this population is unknown. Methods The study population included WTC‐exposed male firefighters who were treated with ICS/LABA for 2 years or longer (with initiation before 2015), had at least two FEV1 measurements before ICS/LABA initiation and two FEV1 measurements posttreatment between September 11, 2001 and September 10, 2019. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate FEV1‐slope pre‐ and post‐treatment. Results During follow‐up, 1023 WTC‐exposed firefighters were treated with ICS/LABA for 2 years or longer. When comparing intervals 6 years before and 6 years after treatment, participants had an 18.7 ml/year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.3–26.1) improvement in FEV1‐slope after adjustment for baseline FEV1, race, height, WTC exposure, weight change, blood eosinophil concentration, and smoking status. After stratification by median date of ICS/LABA initiation (January 14, 2010), earlier ICS/LABA‐initiators had a 32.5 ml/year (95% CI: 19.5–45.5) improvement in slope but later ICS/LABA‐initiators had a nonsignificant FEV1‐slope improvement (7.9 ml/year, 95% CI: −0.5 to 17.2). Conclusions WTC‐exposed firefighters treated with ICS/LABA had improved FEV1 slope after initiation, particularly among those who started earlier. Treatment was, however, not associated with FEV1‐slope improvement if started after the median initiation date (1/14/2010), likely because onset of disease began before treatment initiation. Research on alternative treatments is needed for patients with greater than average FEV1‐decline who have not responded to ICS/LABA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G. Goldfarb
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Department of Environmental, Occupational and Geospatial Health Sciences City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy New York NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY USA
| | - Barbara Putman
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Environmental Medicine New York University School of Medicine New York NY USA
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Rachel Zeig‐Owens
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx NY USA
| | - Brandon M. Vaeth
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY USA
| | - Theresa Schwartz
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY USA
| | - Charles B. Hall
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx NY USA
| | - David J. Prezant
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine Montefiore Medical Center Bronx NY USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx NY USA
| | - Michael D. Weiden
- Fire Department of the City of New York The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn NY USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine and Department of Environmental Medicine New York University School of Medicine New York NY USA
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Weiden MD, Singh A, Goldfarb DG, Putman B, Zeig‐Owens R, Schwartz T, Cohen HW, Prezant DJ. Serum Th-2 cytokines and FEV 1 decline in WTC-exposed firefighters: A 19-year longitudinal study. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:845-852. [PMID: 34288008 PMCID: PMC9290799 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Accelerated‐FEV1‐decline, defined as rate of decline in FEV1 > 64 ml/year, is a risk factor for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in World Trade Center (WTC)‐exposed firefighters. Accelerated‐FEV1‐decline in this cohort is associated with elevated blood eosinophil concentrations, a mediator of Th‐2 response. We hypothesized that an association exists between Th‐2 biomarkers and FEV1 decline rate in those with accelerated‐FEV1‐decline. Methods Serum was drawn from Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) firefighters 1–6 months (early) (N = 816) and 12–13 years (late) (N = 983) after 9/11/2001. Th‐2 biomarkers IL‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐5 were assayed by multiplex Luminex. Individual FEV1 decline rates were calculated using spirometric measurements taken: (1) between 9/11/2001 and 9/10/2020 for the early biomarker group and (2) between late measurement date and 9/10/2020 for the late biomarker group. Associations of early and late Th‐2 biomarkers with subsequent FEV1 decline rates were analyzed using multivariable linear regression controlling for demographics, smoking status, and other potential confounders. Results In WTC‐exposed firefighters with accelerated‐FEV1‐decline, IL‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐5 measured 1–6 months post‐9/11/2001 were associated with greater FEV1 decline ml/year between 9/11/2001 and 9/10/2020 (−2.9 ± 1.4 ml/year per IL‐4 doubling; −8.4 ± 1.2 ml/year per IL‐13 doubling; −7.9 ± 1.3 ml/year per IL‐5 doubling). Among late measured Th‐2 biomarkers, only IL‐4 was associated with subsequent FEV1 decline rate (−4.0 ± 1.6 ml/year per IL‐4 doubling). Conclusions In WTC‐exposed firefighters with accelerated‐FEV1‐decline, elevated serum IL‐4 measured both 1–6 months and 12–13 years after 9/11 is associated with greater FEV1 decline/year. Drugs targeting the IL‐4 pathway may improve lung function in this high‐risk subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Weiden
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine New York University School of Medicine New York New York USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division New York University School of Medicine New York New York USA
| | - Ankura Singh
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine Division Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - David G. Goldfarb
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine Division Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - Barbara Putman
- Department of Medicine New York University School of Medicine New York New York USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division New York University School of Medicine New York New York USA
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ghent University Ghent Belgium
| | - Rachel Zeig‐Owens
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine Division Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - Theresa Schwartz
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine Division Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - Hillel W. Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - David J. Prezant
- The Bureau of Health Services and the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program Brooklyn New York USA
- Fire Department of the City of New York Brooklyn New York USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine Division Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
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Azofeifa A, Martin GR, Santiago-Colón A, Reissman DB, Howard J. World Trade Center Health Program - United States, 2012-2020. MMWR. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES : MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES 2021; 70:1-21. [PMID: 34499632 PMCID: PMC8480994 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.ss7004a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM/CONDITION After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, approximately 400,000 persons were exposed to toxic contaminants and other factors that increased their risk for certain physical and mental health conditions. Shortly thereafter, both federal and nonfederal funds were provided to support various postdisaster activities, including medical monitoring and treatment. In 2011, as authorized by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, the CDC World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program began providing medical screening, monitoring, and treatment of 9/11-related health conditions for WTC responders (i.e., persons who were involved in rescue, response, recovery, cleanup, and related support activities after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks) and affected WTC survivors (i.e., persons who were present in the dust or dust cloud on 9/11 or who worked, lived, or attended school, child care centers, or adult day care centers in the New York City disaster area). REPORTING PERIOD COVERED 2012-2020. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services WTC Health Program is administered by the director of CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The WTC Health Program uses a multilayer administrative claims system to process members' authorized program health benefits. Administrative claims data are primarily generated by clinical providers in New York and New Jersey at the Clinical Centers of Excellence and outside those states by clinical providers in the Nationwide Provider Network. This report describes WTC Health Program trends for selected indicators during 2012-2020. RESULTS In 2020, a total of 104,223 members were enrolled in the WTC Health Program, of which 73.4% (n = 76,543) were responders and 26.6% (n = 27,680) were survivors. WTC Health Program members are predominantly male (78.5%). The median age of members was 51 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 44-57) in 2012 and 59 years (IQR: 52-66) in 2020. During 2012-2020, enrollment and number of certifications of WTC-related health conditions increased among members, with the greatest changes observed among survivors. Overall, at enrollment, most WTC Health Program members lived in New York (71.7%), New Jersey (9.3%), and Florida (5.7%). In 2020, the total numbers of cancer and noncancer WTC-related certifications among members were 20,612 and 50,611, respectively. Skin cancer, male genital system cancers, and in situ neoplasms (e.g., skin and breast) are the most common WTC-related certified cancer conditions. The most commonly certified noncancer conditions are in the aerodigestive and mental health categories. The average number of WTC-related certified conditions per certified member is 2.7. In 2020, a total of 40,666 WTC Health Program members received annual monitoring and screening examinations (with an annual average per calendar year of 35,245). In 2020, the total number of WTC Health Program members who received treatment was 41,387 (with an annual average per calendar year of 32,458). INTERPRETATION Since 2011, the WTC Health Program has provided health care for a limited number of 9/11-related health conditions both for responders and survivors of the terrorist attacks. Over the study period, program enrollment and WTC certification increased, particularly among survivors. As the members age, increased use of health services and costs within the WTC Health Program are expected; chronic diseases, comorbidities, and other health-related conditions unrelated to WTC exposures are more common in older populations, which might complicate the clinical management of WTC-related health conditions. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION Analysis of administrative claims data in the context of WTC research findings can better clarify the health care use patterns of WTC Health Program members. This information guides programmatic decision-making and might also help guide future disaster preparedness and response health care efforts. Strengthening the WTC Health Program health informatics infrastructure is warranted for timely programmatic and research decision-making.
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Cone JE, Santiago-Colón A, Lucchini R. 9/11 Health Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126383. [PMID: 34204753 PMCID: PMC8296210 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James E. Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY 10013, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Albeliz Santiago-Colón
- World Trade Center Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
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