Study: 9/11 First Responders Showing Early Signs Of Kidney Damage
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) --Some first responders who served at ground zero following the 9/11 attacks have shown early signs of kidney damage, according to a study conducted by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
The air at the site was filled with smoke, dust, glass fibers, metal, and debris all of which could have been inhaled.
Study: 9/11 First Responders Showing Early Signs Of Kidney Damage
The study, authored by Dr. Mary Ann McLaughlin, found that first responders who spent more time at ground zero had higher amounts of a protein called Albumin in their urine.
Medical experts said that the responders may have experienced an immune system response that could have damaged their artery lining which could in turn impact kidney function.
In a report published by Health.com, Dr. McLaughlin said that workers who were part of recovery operations for at least 90-days were considered to have high exposure.
One first responder told 1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten that the study offered validation to those who have long claimed to be experiencing ill-health as a result of working at ground zero.
"It gives all of those who said they were sick and a lot of them have passed away now it gives us validity" John Feal, The Feal Good Foundation, said.
Dr. McLaughlin added that even though the 9/11 attacks took place in 2001, potential health problems may still linger, according to Health.com.
"Even though 9/11 was over a decade ago," McLaughlin said, "some of the effects could be lifelong."
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