New Research Links 9/11 Dust Exposure to Early Onset Dementia in First Responders

New York City, New York, USA United States of America
First responders to 9/11 attacks have an increased risk of early onset dementia due to dust exposure.
Protective equipment such as masks and hazmat suits might help mitigate this risk.
Studies identified over 200 cases of dementia in first responders, nearly 40 times higher than expected for people under 65.
Those in the most severe exposure group were over nine times more likely to develop dementia compared to the lowest exposure group.
New Research Links 9/11 Dust Exposure to Early Onset Dementia in First Responders

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks, first responders bravely worked to clear debris and provide assistance. However, new research suggests that their heroic actions may have come with a hidden cost: an increased risk of developing early onset dementia. Several studies have found that severe exposure to dust and debris from the World Trade Center collapse significantly increases the likelihood of developing this neurodegenerative disease before age 65.

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers evaluated over 5,000 first responders who were part of the Stony Brook WTC Health and Wellness Program. During an average follow-up period of five years, they identified 228 cases of dementia – nearly 40 times higher than expected for people under 65.

The study also revealed that those in the most severe exposure group were over nine times more likely to develop dementia compared to the lowest exposure group. Furthermore, protective equipment such as masks and hazmat suits might help mitigate this risk should a similar disaster ever occur again.

Another study published in JAMA Network Open found that severe debris exposure was significantly associated with a higher risk of dementia before age 65 compared to those who weren't exposed or who wore personal protective equipment. The findings were consistent across various demographic groups, including race and ethnicity.

These studies add to the growing body of evidence linking air pollution and dust exposure to neurodegenerative diseases. It is crucial for clinical research on the cognitive health of responders to continue in order to determine the full extent of these health consequences.

Despite this alarming news, it's important not to jump into conclusions or panic. The risk is still relatively low for most individuals, and there are steps that can be taken to minimize exposure and protect one's health. Stay informed about potential hazards in your environment, use appropriate protective equipment when necessary, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • Are there any confounding factors that could influence the results of the studies?
  • Could other factors explain the increased risk of dementia in first responders?

Sources

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

A New Health Nightmare Emerges for 9/11 First Responders

Gizmodo Ed Cara Wednesday, 12 June 2024 15:00
  • Unique Points
    • 9/11 first responders are more likely to develop early onset dementia due to dust and debris exposure.
    • The more dust responders were exposed to, the greater their odds of having dementia.
    • Those in the most severe exposure group were over nine times more likely to develop dementia compared to the lowest exposure group.
    • Protective equipment such as masks can help mitigate the risk of developing dementia from dust and debris exposure.
  • Accuracy
    • ]The more dust responders were exposed to, the greater their odds of having dementia.[
    • Researchers found rates of dementia were high among participants with median age of 53.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

9/11 first responders with severe debris exposure have higher risk of dementia, study finds

CBS News Site: https://www.cbsnews.com/articles/about-us/ Sara Moniuszko Thursday, 13 June 2024 02:37
  • Unique Points
    • Researchers found rates of dementia were high among participants with median age of 53
    • Severe exposure to building debris significantly associated with higher risk of dementia before age 65
    • PPE use might have helped mitigate exposures to neurotoxic particles and chemicals
  • Accuracy
    • Those in the most severe exposure group were over nine times more likely to develop dementia compared to the lowest exposure group.
    • Approximately 4.6% of responders developed dementia over five years, compared to about 0.5% in the general population under 60 years old.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

World Trade Center responders exposed to more dust saw higher risk of early dementia

STAT News Annalisa Merelli Wednesday, 12 June 2024 15:00
  • Unique Points
    • About 5,000 first responders were enrolled in the study and followed for an average of five years.
    • Researchers identified 228 cases of dementia during this period, which is nearly 40 times higher than expected for people under 65.
    • Of those with severe exposure, 12 were diagnosed with dementia, while only three out of 342 responders with low exposure received diagnoses.
    • Study supports growing body of evidence linking air pollution and dust to neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant increase in early-onset dementia among 9/11 first responders compared to the general population.[
    • Approximately 4.6% of responders developed dementia over five years, compared to about 0.5% in the general population under 60 years old.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study Shows Increased Rates of Dementia in 9/11 Responders with More Exposure to Toxins - SBU News

Stony Brook University Wednesday, 12 June 2024 20:16
  • Unique Points
    • Study led by Stony Brook University researchers evaluated over 5,000 WTC responders for signs of dementia.
    • Responders with more toxic exposures had higher rates of dementia than those with fewer exposures.
    • Approximately 4.6% of responders developed dementia over five years, compared to about 0.5% in the general population under 60 years old.
    • Clinical research on the cognitive health of responders must continue to determine the full extent of neurodegenerative disease.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Study led by Stony Brook University researchers evaluated over 5,000 WTC responders for signs of dementia.[
    • Responders who reported no dust exposures or used PPE had a lower incidence of dementia than those who did not use PPE and engaged in dangerous occupational activities.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Study: Higher dementia risk among 9/11 attack responders tied to greater debris exposure

McKnight's Long-Term Care News Thursday, 13 June 2024 02:39
  • Unique Points
    • Study published in JAMA Network Open links higher dementia risk among 9/11 attack responders to greater debris exposure.
    • Researchers examined data from over 5,000 responders with a median age of 53 at the first assessment.
    • Participants were defined as responders if they worked for at least four hours between Sept. 11 and Sept. 14, 2001, or for at least 80 hours across the entire response period.
    • During the study, researchers identified 228 cases of dementia when responders turned 65 years old.
    • Increasing exposure severity was linked with increases in the incident rate for dementia.
    • Responders in mild exposure group were over 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia compared to those in low exposure group.
    • People in high exposure group had 30 times the risk for dementia, while people with severe exposures had over 42 times the risk for developing dementia.
    • Use of PPE might help prevent onset of dementia before age 65 among individuals exposed to uncontrolled building collapse.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Study published in JAMA Network Open links higher dementia risk among 9/11 attack responders to greater debris exposure.[
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication