New research show that workers exposed to toxic airborne chemicals following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, two years after the exposure, had a decreased ability to detect odors and irritants.
Pamela Dalton, PhD, MPH, who is the lead author of the study, explained the significance saying that, "The sensory system that detects irritants is the first line of defense to protect the lungs against airborne toxic chemicals. The loss of the ability of the nose to respond to a strong irritant means that the reflexes that protect the lungs from toxic exposures will not be triggered."
Almost none of the people tested were aware that their ability to detect odors and irritants was compromised.
Park rangers in Key West, Florida discovered 20 tar balls on the shore Tuesday, as well as oil residue farther west in the Dry Tortugas.
Mountain top removal coal mining is responsible for flattening approximately 500 mountains in the central Appalachian region.
A group of manmade compounds, known as short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP’s), are suddenly under the scrutiny of the Environmental Protection Agency. The compounds are used in the metal working industry and can also be found in rubber, paints, adhesives, sealants, and plastics.
