WTC registry: Most feeling effects

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The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said most people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry reported one or more respiratory problems that started or became worse after the Sept. 11 attacks. The quarterly report, released Monday, also said eight percent of the 70,000 enrolled adults experienced psychological distress in the 30-day period before being interviewed for the registry.

"Whether these symptoms persist at present -- and for how long they will persist -- will require further investigation," said Health Commissioner Thomas Freiden.The report said 47 percent of interviewees complained of new or worsened sinus or nasal irritation; 42 complained of shortness of breath; and 38 percent complained of throat irritation and wheezing.

Other symptoms that participants complained of included persistent coughs, eye irritations, severe headaches and hearing loss. The data from the registry also suggests that direct exposure to the attacks had a psychological effect, but further analysis of the findings is needed to understand the types of mental distress among participants.

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