NEW MEDICAL RESEARCH RESULTS INDICATE DETOXIFYING PROTOCOL FOR 9/11 WORLD TRADE CENTER FIREFIGHTERS IS A SUCCESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Santa Monica,CA)Dr. James Dahlgren, toxicologist, reports today that he and a group of medical professionals, (See Study Attachment), who were involved in a pilot evaluation of a treatment method aimed at reducing toxic burden in World Trade Center, 9/11, rescue workers resulted in positive outcomes.
As we know, firefighters and other rescue workers present at the World Trade Center (WTC) following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were exposed to large quantities of dust, smoke and fumes from the collapse and fire. The fire at the WTC site burned for months. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use was inconsistent, contaminant exposure occurred in a number of ways including skin and intestinal absorption as well as inhalation. Many of the rescue workers complained of persistent coughs, headaches, memory disturbance and other symptoms while working on the site. USEPA measurements of benzene, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were elevated in the air in the weeks after the collapse. Dioxins slowly returned to normal background levels after three months. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) analyzed dust/ash samples collected close to the WTC site after September 11, 2001 .
The study had two objectives: 1. To characterize body burdens of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated dioxins (PCDDs) in rescue workers and citizens exposed the day of the WTC collapse and afterwards; and 2. A pilot evaluation of a treatment method aimed at reducing toxic burden .
According to Dr. Dahlgren, “Initially these individuals had a similar pattern of health complaints and manifested symptoms, including respiratory impairment, mental/emotional distress, decreased sensory systems, chronic muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin rashes. These symptoms completely resolved or were satisfactorily improved on completion of the detoxification treatment. Also, the neurophysiological test results improved.”
Seven men who were present at the WTC collapse and involved in the rescue and cleanup effort were selected for treatment at Downtown Medical PC in April 2004 and agreed to participate in this study. Five were employed by the New York Fire Department (FDNY), one was a volunteer rescue worker and one worked nearby at the NY Stock Exchange. All were at the site the day of the collapse and for several weeks afterward when exposure would have been theoretically the highest. The rescue workers used little or no protective respiratory gear during the WTC cleanup and all of them currently live or work in New York . The average age was 44 (range is 37-53).
These individuals volunteered to have their blood drawn for purposes of measuring the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated dioxins (PCDDs). Blood was frozen and sent frozen on dry ice to Germany for polychlorinated dioxin and furan analysis at ERGO Laboratory, a World Health Organization certified dioxin laboratory.
These individuals also participated in a series of testing, including thorough medical examination, completion of structured health and symptom questionnaires, and neurophysiologic testing.
Following examination and tests, the study subjects enrolled in a method of detoxification, a treatment regimen including exercise, sauna bathing and vitamin and mineral supplements developed to address the adverse effects of chemical exposures. On completion of treatment, all had blood drawn for post-treatment testing and complete follow-up examinations.
A rescuer who had completed the program reported the following:
"Prior to September 11, 2001 , I was in good health both mentally and physically.
The attack on the WTC changed it all for me ... The effects started to manifest in October 2001. I developed significant respiratory problems, lack of energy, loss of concentration, loss of short-term memory, irritability, loss of patience and mood swings. I was so sick at times. I missed approximately five to six weeks of work total.
"... As each day passed, I noticed improvement both physically and mentally. By the third week of the program, I was feeling like I did back in my college days--full of energy and mentally sharp. In summary, I feel I have benefited tremendously from this program ...”.
The daughter of a now retired firefighter from Manhattan's Rescue 1, related in a letter to the Project, at her father's request, how he, who was "worn down physically and mentally, sluggish, and sad" before starting the detoxification program became "more positive, uplifted, and hopeful" each day in the program. He had gained back his appetite, was sleeping better, and "gained energy and the desire to do things he had always enjoyed but had stopped doing. He felt his muscles strengthening, his lungs repairing, and his attitude changing. It was amazing.”
As Joe Higgins, FDNY (retired) says, “People who fight inner city fires are probably the most toxic people on earth. It's not just the fires; we're talking about even the smaller jobs—the oil burners, the food on the stoves, the 100-year-old insulation. It's constant exposure to toxins and carcinogens. When you're in the city, that's your battle: you vs. toxins.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James Dahlgren, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, is one of the world's leading toxicologists and foremost toxicology advocate, who has treated thousands of people affected by environmental toxins. The chief medical witness in many high-profile legal cases, including the Chromium 6 case profiled in the film, Erin Brockovich, Dr. Dahlgren was responsible for the original research on pesticides and its toxic effect on humans. Also, he was instrumental in bringing the inadequacies of acceptable lead levels to the public.
