Review of Non-Respiratory, Non-Cancer Physical Health Conditions from Exposure to the World Trade Center Disaster

Abstract

After the World Trade Center attacks on 11 September 2001 (9/11), multiple cohorts were developed to monitor the health outcomes of exposure. Respiratory and cancer effects have been covered at length. This current study sought to review the literature on other physical conditions associated with 9/11-exposure. Researchers searched seven databases for literature published in English from 2002 to October 2017, coded, and included articles for health condition outcome, population, 9/11-exposures, and comorbidity. Of the 322 titles and abstracts screened, 30 studies met inclusion criteria, and of these, 28 were from three cohorts: the World Trade Center Health Registry, Fire Department of New York, and World Trade Center Health Consortium. Most studies focused on rescue and recovery workers. While many of the findings were consistent across different populations and supported by objective measures, some of the less studied conditions need additional research to substantiate current findings. In the 16 years after 9/11, longitudinal cohorts have been essential in investigating the health consequences of 9/11-exposure. Longitudinal studies will be vital in furthering our understanding of these emerging conditions, as well as treatment effectiveness.

Persistent Hearing Loss among World Trade Center Health Registry Residents, Passersby and Area Workers, 2006–2007

“…Although middle ear disorders tend to be temporary and can be treated with antibiotics, permanent hearing loss can be a consequence of repeated/chronic infections. Sinusitis, involving inflammation of nasopharyngeal tissues, is a common condition among WTC-exposed populations [24,25] and may also lead to conductive hearing loss [26]. Adverse otologic outcomes, including sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo tympanic perforation and hyperacusis, have been reported following previous blast injury incidents, including the Boston Marathon experience [5,27] and suicide bombings in Brussels [27].…”

Stroke hospitalizations, posttraumatic stress disorder, and 9/11‐related dust exposure: Results from the World Trade Center Health Registry

“…The long-term health effects of the World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11) have been acknowledged in recent literature. The frequently studied health outcomes linked to 9/11 include physical health conditions such as asthma, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, [1][2][3][4][5][6] mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, [7][8][9][10] and physical and mental health comorbidities. 11 Many studies have reported significant associations between these health outcomes and 9/11-related dust exposure, [1][2][3][4][5][6] with some studies also noting the temporal associations between mental health problems, particularly 9/11-related PTSD, and physical health outcomes.…”

“…The frequently studied health outcomes linked to 9/11 include physical health conditions such as asthma, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, [1][2][3][4][5][6] mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, [7][8][9][10] and physical and mental health comorbidities. 11 Many studies have reported significant associations between these health outcomes and 9/11-related dust exposure, [1][2][3][4][5][6] with some studies also noting the temporal associations between mental health problems, particularly 9/11-related PTSD, and physical health outcomes. [12][13][14][15][16][17] A number of studies have observed an association between heart disease and 9/11 exposures including PTSD and dust/debris cloud and injury.…”

World Trade Center Exposure and Posttraumatic Growth: Assessing Positive Psychological Change 15 Years after 9/11

“…While these outcomes are important and necessary to monitor, positive outcomes and attributes of well-being are an integral aspect of one's health [1]. The negative physical and mental health effects of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster have been well documented [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Despite there being an overwhelming amount of evidence showing the negative effects of trauma, recent research has explored the positive changes that can arise [8][9][10][11].…”