It's been nearly 10 months since Superstorm Sandy and for some of the people living in the hardest hit areas, life hasn't quite returned to normal.
Besides concerns over rebuilding and repairing damages, some New Jersey residents are worried about their health.
“A few weeks after I had a lung infection," said Denise Hansen, of Ortley Beach, N.J.
In the weeks and months following the October storm, many people were exposed to irritants including mold and asbestos.
Today, dozens of people living in Ocean County, including first responders, received free respiratory and cardiac screenings from Deborah Heart and Lung Center.
This is the 9th time the hospital has offered these free screenings to people in the area.
Laureen Bogdan, of Lavallette, N.J., tells NBC10's Ted Greenberg that Sandy left 52 inches of water in her basement. Today, Bodgan was one of the many people who got screened.
“I figured let me check, just in case because the mold was growing," said Bogdan.
Depending on the results, some of the people are being urged to follow up with their own doctor.
“We truly have to wait until all the data collection is in and then decide whether or not there is some impact from the storm," said Donna McArdle of the Deborah Heart & Lung Center.
The hospital has screened about 400 people, and based on the results, about 14% of them were urged to follow up with their own doctors.
Deborah plans to expand the screenings to Monmouth County in October.
Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia
