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Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the heroes and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks are never forgotten, comments on the findings of a study assessing lung function trajectory among World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) emergency medical service (EMS) workers. The study, published November 3, 2016 in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, found that lung function continues to be impaired among most EMS workers in the cohort. The progression of lung injuries did not vary significantly by sex or race/ethnicity. The authors wrote, “14 years after 9/11, most EMS workers continued to demonstrate a lack of lung function recovery. The trajectories of lung function decline, however, were parallel by sex and by race/ethnicity.”
Researchers analyzed lung function among EMS workers by reviewing pulmonary function tests (PFTs) taken between September 11, 2001 and September 10, 2015. These routine lung function tests were conducted every 12-18 months. The study involved 1,817 EMS workers; 334 (18.4 percent) were women, 979 (53.9 percent) identified themselves as Caucasian, and 939 (51.6 percent) were never-smokers. The median number of lung function tests conducted on each participant was 11, and the median follow-up was 13.1 years. The researchers noted that, “After large declines associated with 9/11, there was no discernible recovery in lung function.”
Parker Waichman notes that WTC responders and survivors have higher rates of respiratory disorders; many different types of cancers; and psychological disorders such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Parker Waichman comments that responders and survivors may receive benefits through the Zadroga Act, which funds the WTC Health Program providing medical treatment and monitoring, as well as the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which provides compensation. The Zadroga Act was first signed into law in 2011. In December 2015, after years of effort from 9/11 advocates, including Parker Waichman, the bill was reauthorized; this provided $3.5 billion to fund the health program another 75 years to 2090. The WTC Health Program treats and monitors over 73,000 responders and survivors.
“The findings from this study support what we already know, that 9/11 responders are suffering from respiratory issues years after the attacks,” said Keith Gitman, Managing Attorney at Parker Waichman. “Studies such as this reaffirm the need for the Zadroga Act, which provides much-needed benefits to responders and survivors suffering from 9/11-related health problems.”
Parker Waichman proudly fought for the passage of the Zadroga Act, as well as its reauthorization. The firm will continue to stand alongside 9/11 heroes such as Sal Turturici, an FDNY EMT diagnosed with cancer who spent months in the rescue and recovery efforts following the 9/11 attacks. Mr. Turturici, who is a client with Parker Waichman, shared his story with CBS News in September. Doctors have told him there is little else they can do to fight the cancer, which has spread to several organs.
Sal’s condition has been linked to his exposure at Ground Zero; sadly, he is one of many responders to fight for his life due to 9/11-related cancer.
Sal and Wendy Turturici are asking the public to never forget 9/11 responders and survivors who have continued to suffer life-threatening health problems. “Don’t forget about us. Don’t forget about the families that are out there,” said Wendy. “And remember, you’ve got to remember,” said Sal. “Remember that this is what happened. This is the history, this is our legacy. They died and we’re dying, and hopefully that, you know, that you think about us and remember us and keep us in your prayers.” Parker Waichman echoes these sentiments and vows to always fight for 9/11 heroes.
Parker Waichman emphasizes the importance of the VCF and the WTC Health Program and is proud to have fought alongside Ground Zero residents, workers, first responders, and other survivors and advocates to help ensure passage of Zadroga Act amendments. The firm vows to continue its efforts to safeguard all those, including children, who were exposed to Ground Zero’s toxic cloud and the trauma of the attacks, and ensure that all of the deserved Zadroga Act compensation is received. To determine eligibility for compensation under the Act or for assistance with a claim, please visit the Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
Release ID: 144498