9/11 and sleep apnea

Here is an article about how workers who were first responders to 9/11 have elevated risk of sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The article does not go into detail about the mechanism of action. I wonder if the rate of sleep apnea is higher due to localized inflammation in the upper airway due to the particulate matter inhaled at the scene. I could also envision higher rates of pulmonary disease from inhalation of particulates, but that was not mentioned in the article.