Batty, I was at the Pentagon on 9-11 as 1 of the cops. I was in the blast and gas field for 14 hours w/o any mask or protection. I also served in an infantry unit for 4 years. And I also have asthma. Now I realize it might sound a bit strange but if I can function in a line infantry unit (running up to 14 miles a day for PT) and not have a problem w/ my asthma then why now, after 9-11, can I not do 1/2 of what I used to do because I am consantly running out of breath ? Add to that is the fact that I was 'retired on a disability' by the government and then the gov't turns around and denies that I was retired on disability, is it a wonder why so many of us 9-11 retiree's windup either developing asthma or being degraded for suffering from the disease because of PTSD exacerbation ? Send me the address of this doctor doing the study. Have I got a picture perfect case study for him !!