by LINDA SCHMIDT
MYFOXNY.COM - Firefighters and EMTs who suffered lung damage at Ground Zero say the new health study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms what they've been saying all along. Now they're hoping this study will convince congress to pass a bill to cover their health care costs.
The study shows that firefighters and EMTs who suffered lung damage are not getting better. The study included about 13,000 of these first responders.
"We found here was an average decline of 372 ml of lung function," says Dr. David Prezant. "That's 12 times the annual decline in the years before 9/11 in this same group. In other words, 12 times what you'd expect from normal aging."
Deputy Chief Jim Riches lost his firefighter son on 9/11. For the next nine months, Riches spent nearly every day at the site as part of the search and recovery effort. Years later, his lungs suddenly shut down.
He says he nearly died and had to retire on disability. He still struggles to breath.
A bill currently before a congressional committee calls for full health coverage for anyone suffering after effects from breathing the toxic dust. A vote is scheduled for April 21st.
Riches says hopefully the study will show lawmakers that the legislation is badly needed.
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