On September 11, 2001, a giant cloud of smoke, dust and debris was instantly expelled into the air over lower Manhattan as the twin towers of the World Trade Center (WTC) collapsed.

In a matter of seconds, non-metallic building materials were pulverized into a cloud of fine dust and ash that included asbestos used to fire-proof the towers prior to its ban by the NYC Council in 1971.

One early study showed that firefighters, exposed to this dust cloud began coughing and developing early signs of asthma.  Clean-up workers also showed signs of a new-onset cough, wheezing and phlegm.[1] It was clear from these studies that respiratory symptoms were a frequent and common side effect from their exposure.  The high alkalinity (basic pH) of this fine dust caused the airways to become spastic,[2] resulting in a persistent cough and an increased risk of asthma.[3]

According to a Mount Sinai post 9/11 health survey, 70 percent of the rescue and recovery workers had developed new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

Due to this type of exposure, the onset of mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, is considered a risk as well.

The “WTC Cough Syndrome” was found to consist of a chronic cough, chronic sinus inflammation, asthma and/or bronchitis, often accompanied by severe acid reflux symptoms.

As a physician on the faculty of the Mt. Sinai Dept of Community and Preventive Medicine, I spent a year working with the World Trade Center Health Screening Program.

I observed countless clean-up workers who suffered from a combination of ailments.  These symptoms occurred in persons working as part of the relief effort, as well as those in the community who lived in the area and were also exposed.[4]

When analyzed, “WTC dust was found to consist predominantly (95 percent) of coarse particles and contained pulverized cement, glass fibers, asbestos, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated furans and dioxins.”^{1 [5]}

Higher levels of perfluorochemicals, commonly known as flame-retardants used as stain resistant coating on carpets, upholstery and floors, was found in the blood of WTC responders.[6]

These are environmental toxins that challenge the body’s ability to maintain cellular homeostasis.

PAHs are known carcinogens that can lead to various forms of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. In utero exposure to PAHs has been associated with an increased risk for cancer in the unborn fetus, which is ten times more susceptible to DNA damage than its mother.[7] [8]

An early case series looking at carcinogenesis for one type of cancer, found an unusual number of cases of multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) in WTC responders younger than 45.[9]

Yet, uncertainty and controversy remains around cancer causality from this disaster.  In spite of exposure to known carcinogens, scientific studies have been slow to show a link.

Although the Zagroda 9/11 Health and Compensation Act covers other health expenses, it excludes cancer from the list of treatable conditions related to WTC exposures.  This has left many first responders without health coverage and in financial ruin.

In light of ongoing data, a review of the evidence for cancer causality is in order.

Although a review is normally scheduled once every 6 to 12 months, Dr. John Howard, director of the WTC Health Program should consider reviewing these new peer-reviewed studies as they are published.

The clock is ticking on those that survived their exposures and time is of the essence.  We owe it to them.

Vincent Pedre, M.D. is an integrative, Holistic General Practitioner and Board-Certified Internist in private practice in New York City. Follow Dr. Pedre on Facebook and Twitter.