Figure 3.

(A) WTC-related average adjusted FEV₁ losses during the year after 09/11/2001 by arrival time exposure category. WTC-related adjusted average FEV₁ losses with standard errors are depicted. We observed substantial FEV₁ reductions after 09/11/2001, with a significant exposure intensity–response gradient between FDNY rescue workers with increasing arrival time–based WTC exposure intensities. Early-arrival, high-intensity exposure workers experienced an average reduction of 388 ml (95% confidence interval [CI], 370–406 ml). Intermediate-intensity exposure workers experienced an average reduction of 372 ml (95% CI, 363–381 ml). Workers with late-arrival, low-intensity exposure experienced an average decrement of 357 ml (95% CI, 339–374 ml). This linear trend in exposure intensity–response was statistically significant (p = 0.048). Average FEV₁ losses are adjusted for sex, race, height, age, and smoking status. (B) WTC-related average adjusted FEV₁ losses during the year after 09/11/2001 by work assignment exposure category. WTC-related adjusted average FEV₁ losses with standard errors are depicted. We observed substantial FEV₁ reductions after 09/11/2001, with significant differences according to work assignment. Firefighters had an average adjusted decrement of 383 ml (95% CI, 374–393 ml), significantly larger compared with emergency medical service (EMS) workers, who experienced an average reduction of 319 ml (95% CI, 299–340 ml). We did not find significant differences between firefighters who were and who were not assigned to Special Operations Command units. Average FEV₁ losses are adjusted for sex, race, height, age, and smoking status.