Sarcoidosis diagnosed after September 11, 2001, among adults exposed to the World Trade Center disaster

J Occup Environ Med. 2011 Sep;53(9):966-74. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31822a3596.

Abstract

Objective: Explore relationships between World Trade Center (WTC) exposures and sarcoidosis.

Methods: Sarcoidosis has been reported after exposure to the WTC disaster. We ascertained biopsy-proven post-9/11 sarcoidosis among WTC Health Registry enrollees. Cases diagnosed after Registry enrollment were included in a nested case-control study. Controls were matched to cases on age, sex, race or ethnicity, and eligibility group (eg, rescue or recovery worker).

Results: We identified 43 cases of post-9/11 sarcoidosis. Twenty-eight incident cases and 109 controls were included in the case-control analysis. Working on the WTC debris pile was associated with sarcoidosis (odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 74.0), but WTC dust cloud exposure was not (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 2.8).

Conclusions: Working on the WTC debris pile was associated with an elevated risk of post-9/11 sarcoidosis. Occupationally exposed workers may be at increased risk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dust
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Registries
  • Rescue Work*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sarcoidosis / epidemiology*
  • September 11 Terrorist Attacks*

Substances

  • Dust