Environmental Illnesses Haunt Some Who Covered 9/11

Between 2002 and 2004, The World Trade Center Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program surveyed 9,442 workers, including 81 who worked for news agencies. The survey found that this group was five times as likely as the general population to suffer from reduced breathing capacity.

The NYPPA has been encouraging 9/11 journalists to fill out an anonymous online survey. By early February, the survey had logged 161 responses. Respondents reported a variety of breathing problems like asthma and persistent coughing, and symptoms of depression and PTSD. Thirty-six of them said post-9/11 health problems have affected their careers.

When the Twin Towers collapsed, they kicked up a cloud of pulverized cement, glass, lead, asbestos, PCBs, pesticides and other chemicals. Some of the journalists now suffering from health problems feel angry that the government did little to warn people about these dangers. They now scoff at the early assurances that the air was safe… Read Full Article

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Louisiana has its share of toxic areas as well. While covering Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, I found myself in chest deep water (in waders with my camera in a waterproof container) that was made up of all sorts of petroleum chemicals, sewage and more. I have not suffered any ill effects but often wonder what will crop up in the next twenty years!

I ruined a Nikon D1X and two prime lenses during the assignment, and that camera is one you could drive nails with!