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Impulse Oscillometry and Respiratory Symptoms in World Trade Center Responders, 6 Years Post-9/11

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Abstract

This study evaluated whether impulse oscillometry (IOS) testing revealed signs of respiratory disease in New York State (NYS) World Trade Center (WTC) responders in comparison with unexposed NYS employees. It also compared self-reported respiratory symptoms between the two groups, 6 years post-9/11. For this evaluation participants completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding respiratory symptoms. IOS testing included measures of resistance and reactance to assess for peripheral versus central airway effects. Two hundred forty-eight subjects (99 exposed and 149 unexposed) were included in the final analysis. Since September 11, 2001, NYS responders were more likely to report new or worsening cough in the absence of a respiratory infection, cough consistent with chronic bronchitis, current respiratory symptoms, or lower respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months. Significant associations were found between IOS indices and gender, smoking history, and obesity. When comparing exposed and unexposed participants, there were no significant differences in the geometric means of the IOS indices. Responders who used a respirator with canister demonstrated significantly lower respiratory resistance at 5 and 20 Hz (R5 and R20). While this study has provided no evidence of an association between WTC exposure and peripheral airways disease in this cohort of responders, results do suggest that use of a respirator with canister may be protective for central airways in responders exposed to dust and smoke. This emphasizes the importance of stressing proper respirator use in planning responses to future disasters. Our control data also provide useful reference values for future IOS research.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Janine Palome, RN, BSN, with the NYSDOH, for her valuable contributions to data collection for this study. They are also grateful to Rebecca Hoen, MS, also with the NYSDOH, for her assistance in data review. This work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [Cooperative Agreement Number U1Q/CCU221059]. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bureau of Occupational Health, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Flanigan Square, Room 230, 547 River Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA

    Matthew P. Mauer

  2. Bureau of Occupational Health, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Flanigan Square, 547 River Street, Troy, NY, 12180, USA

    Karen R. Cummings

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  1. Matthew P. Mauer
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Correspondence to Matthew P. Mauer.

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Mauer, M.P., Cummings, K.R. Impulse Oscillometry and Respiratory Symptoms in World Trade Center Responders, 6 Years Post-9/11. Lung 188, 107–113 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-009-9206-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00408-009-9206-y

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