Synopsis for May 31, 2002

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1. Occupational Exposures to Air Contaminants at the World Trade Center Disaster Site ― New York, September –October 2001
2. State-Specific Trends in Self-Reported Blood Pressure Screening and High Blood Pressure ― United States, 1991–1999
3. Nonfatal Physical Assault-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments ― United States, 2000

Synopsis for May 31, 2002

Occupational Exposures to Air Contaminants at the World Trade Center Disaster Site ― New York, September –October 2001

Workers at the WTC site were not exposed to hazardous levels of toxic air contaminants (such as asbestos and silica dust) in the first 3 weeks of rescue and recovery operations after the September 11 terrorist attack. However, high exposures to carbon monoxide and cadmium during specific job tasks were found. The study, conducted by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, found high concentrations of carbon monoxide from the use of oxy-acetylene torches and gasoline-powered saws during some cutting operations. In response to the WTC event, NIOSH has issued guidelines for addressing a variety of occupational safety and health hazards at similar disaster sites.

State-Specific Trends in Self-Reported Blood Pressure Screening and High Blood Pressure ― United States, 1991–1999

Blood pressure screening is an important first step in preventing and controlling high blood pressure, heart disease, renal disease and stroke. Blood pressure screening serves several purposes including: 1) assessing persons with risk of high blood pressure, 2) identifying persons who may reduce high blood pressure through lifestyle modifications with or without drug treatment, and 3) heightening public awareness and reinforcing educational messages These BRFSS data show that the prevalence of self-reported high blood pressure is increasing. This is the first report to show this trend, which we suspect is being driven by the increase in obesity and overweight. Although screening for blood pressure is high in all states and populations, there have been lower numbers of screening among men, Hispanics, people with less formal education, and younger adults.

Nonfatal Physical Assault-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments ― United States, 2000

These results underscore the need to prevent both fatal and nonfatal injuries from violent assaults. Information from this report can be used to identify populations at risk and guide the development of prevention efforts. In 2000, hospital emergency departments treated more than 1.6 million people with physical assault-related injuries. Adolescent and young adult males were at greatest risk for these injuries. CDC tracks and analyzes the magnitude and characteristics of assault-related injuries to monitor the trends and assist in evaluating prevention programs and policies.

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