Study Reviews Blood Eosinophil Levels in 9/11 Responders with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

April 22, 2016 – – A new study reveals that high eosinophil levels are tied to an increased likelihood of undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in WTC-exposed firefighters. Chronic rhinosinusitis developed in a number of responders after the Twin Towers collapsed, releasing massive volumes of toxic dust.

Parker Waichman LLP, a national law firm that has spent many years fighting to ensure that the first responders and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks are never forgotten, is commenting on the findings of a new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. The longitudinal study reviewed factors that might predict the need for surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in WTC-exposed New York (FDNY) firefighters. According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition in which the nasal cavities become swollen and inflamed. The study also found that firefighters with increasing levels of eosinophils, a type of cell in the immune system, were more likely to undergo surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis. The risk was highest among firefighters who were most intensely exposed and for long periods of time. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27096198)

In the report, the authors state that “airborne particulates” released from the destruction of the Twin Towers caused chronic rhinosinusitis in a number of FDNY firefighters. The rationale is that surgery is performed in these individuals when other methods fail to alleviate symptoms.

The study looked at 8,227 WTC-exposed firefighters between September 11, 2001 and September, 25, 2001. Researchers took into account when the firefighters arrived on site, how long they participated in the rescue/recovery work, and their eosinophil concentration between September 11, 2001 and March 10, 2003.

The rate of surgery was 0.47 cases per 100 person years between September 11, 2001 and March 10, 2003, the study revealed. Patients who underwent surgery experienced higher blood eosinophil levels in the first 19 months after the attacks. Surgery occurred more often in firefighters with increasing eosinophil counts. Other risk factors included arriving on the first or second day of the attacks and working at the WTC site for over six months.

Overall, the authors concluded that, “Increasing blood eosinophil concentration predicts surgical intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis, particularly in those with intense acute and prolonged exposure to airborne irritants. WTC-exposed FDNY firefighters who underwent irritant-associated sinus surgery are immunologically different from the cohort. Surgical patients have a higher blood eosinophil levels that is associated with mediators of mucosal immunity.”

Parker Waichman comments that these findings add to the growing body of knowledge regarding WTC-related health problems. “As time goes on, more and more studies show that responders continue to suffer from long-term health problems due to toxic dust exposure,” said Matthew J. McCauley, Senior Litigation Counsel at the firm. “These findings underscore the importance of Zadroga benefits, which provide medical care to ailing responders and survivors.”

The Zadroga Act was first passed in 2010. The Act created the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides healthcare, and reopened the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF) for an additional five years. As the deadline for Zadroga approached in 2015, advocates, including Parker Waichman, fought hard for permanent reauthorization. The Zadroga Act was reauthorized on December 18, 2015 and the law funds the WTC Health Program for another 75 years and extends the VCF for another five years.

As of February 29, 2016, the VCF has made more than 1,000 payments totaling over $233.4 million, according to a March 1, 2016 message from Special Master Sheila Birnbaum.

Parker Waichman actively worked toward the 2010 passage of the Zadroga Act, including taking part in lobbying efforts and trips to the nation’s capital, often along with the firm’s clients—other responders and survivors. Parker Waichman has fought for permanent extension of the Act, taking part in numerous lobbying efforts and being part of delegations. In fact, Parker Waichman assisted with the research on, and creation of the “Take Acton” tool that enabled citizens to review Congress members’ activities concerning the Act.

The firm continues to fight alongside Ground Zero first responders, survivors, and advocates and vows to continue its efforts to safeguard these heroes 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 Parker Waichman’s website or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

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