Asthma Rates in Children After 9/11
Author Information
Author(s): Cynthia Washam
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Preschoolers exposed to smoke and dust from the World Trade Center collapse have higher asthma rates than the national average.
Conclusion
Preschoolers exposed to the 9/11 attacks had asthma rates more than twice the national average, while older children had rates similar to the average.
Supporting Evidence
- More than half the children reported respiratory symptoms after the attacks.
- Nearly 6% of all children reported having asthma diagnosed after 9/11.
- 16% of children aged 2–4 years had been diagnosed with asthma, more than twice the average for that age group in the Northeast.
- Black and Hispanic children were twice as likely to be diagnosed with asthma compared to white or Asian children.
Takeaway
Kids who were near the World Trade Center when it collapsed are getting asthma more than other kids their age. This is especially true for younger kids.
Methodology
Data were collected through telephone interviews with parents or the children themselves in 2003 and 2004.
Potential Biases
Racial disparities in asthma rates may indicate potential biases in diagnosis and reporting.
Limitations
Lack of information on the timing of symptom onset and co-factors for asthma.
Participant Demographics
Children under 18 years old, with a focus on preschoolers and ethnic disparities.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website