We investigated whether residents living near the
World Trade Center (WTC) continued to experience
respiratory problems several years after September 11,
2001 (9/11). Residents living within one mile of the
WTC surveyed after 9/11 responded two and four years
later to follow-up surveys that asked about lower respiratory
symptoms (LRS), medical history, psychological
stress, and indoor environmental characteristics. There
were declines in the proportion of residents reporting
LRS, new lower respiratory diagnoses, unplanned medical
visits, and asthma medication use. However, the
proportion of residents reporting any LRS in the
affected area at follow-up remained higher than the
original proportion in the control area; residents with
multiple sources of potential 9/11-related exposures
were at greatest risk for LRS at follow-up. Psychological
stress, dust/odors, and moisture were significantly associated
with LRS at follow-up. These data demonstrate
that LRS continue to burden residents living in the
areas affected by the WTC disaster.