World Trade Center Rescuers Have Breathing Problems

The Mount Sinai Medical Center has released a study they consider to be conclusive proof linking rescue work at the destroyed WTC with long-term respiratory problems. They have monitored 16,000 ground zero rescue workers since the attack on 9/11/01. Most of the rescuers studied were at ground zero between 9/11 and 9/13 of 2001. 9,442 workers have developed respiratory problems - an illness dubbed the "World Trade Center cough". This is roughly 70% of the workers. Dr. Robin Herbert said, "There should no longer be any doubt about the health effects of the World Trade Center. Our patients are sick."

The sad part is that this didn't have to happen. It happened because the Bush administration doesn't know how to tell the truth. At the time, questions were raised about the safety of breathing the air around ground zero. But the Bush administration quickly assured rescue workers that the air was not dangerous. Now, too late, we learn they did not tell the truth. If they had told the truth, the workers could have taken precautions. The Bush lies have damaged the health of nearly 10,000 brave rescue workers. They should be ashamed of themselves.