No Harm Done To 9/11 Dogs -- MesoLink.org -- 09-29-04

Since the New York terrorist attacks on September 11 th 2001, there has been much debate regarding the dangers posed by the asbestos levels that were in the air following the collapse of the World Trade Center. The asbestos levels were abnormally high for several days, but then fell to within federal standards.

However, there have since been debated with regards to whether the Bush Administration covered up sinister exposure levels, and some medics are worried that thousands could die years to come simply from the effects of asbestos inhalation in the air following the disaster.

In a new turn of events, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has reported that the search and rescue dogs used immediately after the events took place have shown very few signs of ill health.

The report was highlighted last week, and the university revealed that the dogs and their handlers had been carefully monitored since the terrorist attack to see whether asbestos levels had caused them any harm.

Lead researcher, Cynthia Otto, stated:

"Overall, the lack of clear adverse medical or behavioral effects among the 9/11 dogs is heartening, both for the animals and the human rescue workers."

However, this does not alleviate the worry for everyone due to the long latency period of the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. This can take several decades to develop, and since the study has only been in operation for several years, this may not be a true indicator of the results of the inhalation.