More 9-11 Victims

Health Problems Plague WTC Rescuers:

WASHINGTON 9.8.03, 8:57a -- A federal program created to monitor the health effects of work at the World Trade Center site in New York has found thousands still suffering from asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and depression.
It's the first time the health of rescue and recovery workers has been followed so closely after a major disaster. As the second anniversary of the attacks nears, new information coming out on long-term health implications of rescue work is getting the attention of emergency officials and prompting Congress to consider creating federal screening for future disasters.

To date, about 7,500 of the estimated 30,000 workers who toiled at the ruins have been examined under the $12 million program created in July 2002. With $4 million in extra funding this year, doctors expect to examine 4,500 more by March 2004.

Preliminary results show 48 percent of workers with ear, nose and throat problems such as nasal congestion, hoarseness, headaches and throat irritation. Thirty percent have pulmonary problems, including shortness of breath, persistent cough and wheezing. About 19 percent of workers have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder _ at least double the rate seen in the general population.

The data reflect 1,100 patients screened between July 2002 and April 2003. But program directors say patients have continued to report symptoms at about the same rate since then.

So, now we must wonder how many of these hapless victims could have been saved from disease and possibly death if the White House had not forced the EPA to revise the air quality report following 9-11. Is there anything, and I mean ANYTHING, upon which the Bush Administration has acted, that has NOT been screwed? I challenge you, the reader to go to the comments and name one thing.