Lower Respiratory Symptoms Associated With Environmental and Reconstruction Exposures After Hurricane Sandy. (21st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gargano, Lisa M.; Locke, Sean; Jordan, Hannah T.; Brackbill, Robert M.
• Is Part Of: Disaster medicine and public health preparedness. Volume 12:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 697
• Page End: 702
• Publication Date: 2018-01-21
• Subjects: Hurricane Sandy, -- World Trade Center, -- respiratory; Disaster medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency management -- Planning -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2017.140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-7893

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: In a population with prior exposure to the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster, this study sought to determine the relationship between Hurricane Sandy-related inhalation exposures and post-Sandy lower respiratory symptoms (LRS). Methods: Participants included 3835 WTC Health Registry enrollees who completed Wave 3 (2011-2012) and Hurricane Sandy (2013) surveys. The Sandy-related inhalational exposures examined were: (1) reconstruction exposure; (2) mold or damp environment exposure; and (3) other respiratory irritants exposure. LRS were defined as wheezing, persistent cough, or shortness of breath reported on ≥1 of the 30 days preceding survey completion. Associations between LRS and Sandy exposures, controlling for socio-demographic factors, post-traumatic stress disorder, and previously reported LRS and asthma were examined using multiple logistic regression. Results: Over one-third of participants (34.4%) reported post-Sandy LRS. Each of the individual exposures was also independently associated with post-Sandy LRS, each having approximately twice the odds of having post-Sandy LRS. We found a dose-response relationship between the number of types of Sandy-related exposures reported and post-Sandy LRS. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that post-hurricane clean-up and reconstruction exposures can increase the risk for LRS. Public health interventions should emphasize the importance of safe remediation practices and recommend use of personal protective equipment. ( Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness . 2018;12:697-702)