New York City health officials have released information revealing than more than half of the children closely exposed to the September 11 terrorist attacks developed breathing problems in the years after the horrific act.

Of the 3,184 (53 percent) children's registered in the World Trade Center Health Registry experienced new or worsened shortness of breath, sinus problems or wheezing following the 9/11 attack. And, 180 children who registered have been diagnosed with asthma.

It is estimated that almost half of the children were caught in the dust cloud, a significant factor in developing new asthma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and half witnessed a disturbing event that day.

A city-sponsored Web site (www.nyc.gov/html/doh/wtc/html/home/home.shtml) published these findings for New Yorkers and others whose health was affected by the attacks. The site includes previously unreleased information from the registry about lower Manhattan residents.

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