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PEF urges WTC responders to participate in
study
By DEBORAH A. MILES
Even though it’s been more than four years since the World Trade Center catastrophe, PEF remains committed to its members who responded during the aftermath.
In August, the union signed a memorandum of understanding with the state that allows PEF members to participate in a study conducted by Mount Sinai Medical Center, called the “World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program.”
“More than 500 PEF members joined thousands of other union workers to get New York City back on its feet,” said Jonathan Rosen, PEF’s director of health and safety.
“The dust and debris generated from Sept. 11 contained a number of toxic substances that have caused many who worked at the WTC site to experience breathing problems and emotional distress. Many people are still suffering from the direct consequences of the work they performed after the attacks,” Rosen said.
The Medical Monitoring Program provides free, confidential and periodic examinations during the next five years to people who performed rescue, recovery and clean-up work after the 2001 attack.
The exams will be performed every 18 months and will include breathing tests and exposure assessment.
Rosen said it is important for responders to participate in the program, even if they do not have any overt symptoms.
“We do not know if there will be long-term health consequences for responders,” he said.
“Even if you are not sick now, these examinations can provide early detection for illnesses that might develop in the future, and allow more successful treatment.”
For more information, to register or update your records, call the WTC Medical Monitoring Program hotline at 1-888-702-0630 or visit
www.wtcexams.org. | |
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Communicator Dec 05-Jan06//
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