Respiratory and Other Health Effects Reported in Children Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster of 11 September 2001

2008

Respiratory Health Effects in Children After the 9/11 Attacks

Sample size: 3184 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Thomas Pauline A., Brackbill Robert, Thalji Lisa, DiGrande Laura, Campolucci Sharon, Thorpe Lorna, Henning Kelly

Primary Institution: New Jersey Medical School–University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Hypothesis

What are the respiratory health effects in children exposed to the World Trade Center disaster?

Conclusion

Children exposed to the dust cloud from the World Trade Center disaster had a higher prevalence of asthma and respiratory symptoms compared to national estimates.

Supporting Evidence

53% of children reported at least one new or worsened respiratory symptom after 9/11.
5.7% of children reported new asthma diagnoses after the disaster.
Children < 5 years of age had a higher prevalence of asthma compared to national estimates.
Dust cloud exposure was associated with new asthma diagnosis across all age groups.
Half of the children had to evacuate from their homes or schools during the disaster.

Takeaway

After the 9/11 attacks, many children had trouble breathing and some were diagnosed with asthma, especially those who were near the dust cloud.

Methodology

Data was collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews with children and their parents, focusing on respiratory health and exposure to the disaster.