Becky, I don't think I saw this 1st message from you- sorry! I just responded to your other one.
Re.; toxic exposure- yes, I am a 9/11 survivor with significant dust cloud exposure and some long term environmental, as a resident.
The reason I specifically wonder about this with my salivary gland, is that I have been told my mass is unusual, and I also have very specific memories about the taste of ash and chemicals in my mouth- for weeks. "I can't get the ash out of my mouth". It was very disturbing, and still is to remember, but that's the connection. I am a member of one of the WTC clinics here in NYC, and have notified my GP there. Once I get my next test/MRI results, I'll get opinions from their ENT as well.
Nancy