Research on 9/11 Health Impacts

After 9/11, health experts began evaluating exposure potential, defining diseases, and studying emerging trends in symptoms and conditions. In 2002, the CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) established the World Trade Center Health Registry (the Registry). It became the largest post-disaster health registry in U.S. history, recruiting more than 71,000 voluntary registrants at the close of enrollment in 2004. In 2009, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) began administrating the Registry through the NYC DOHMH. Since inception, the Registry has published over 140 research papers on short- and long-term 9/11 health outcomes.

In addition to the Registry, research projects began to characterize exposures and assess the potential health burden in the 9/11 population. Early efforts examined a broad range of health conditions in both responders and survivors, such as aerodigestive disorders, cancers, and mental health disorders. This research was supported by private and public funds, including federal funding administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NIOSH. In total, there were 565 articles published in peer-reviewed literature describing 9/11 research prior to the passing of the Zadroga Act.

The Zadroga Act provided funding for a formal 9/11 research program. From 2011-2020, the WTC Health Program has awarded a total of $195.1M for research through contracts, cooperative research agreements, and the Registry ($67.6M). Over 430 peer-reviewed articles have been published from WTC Health Program-funded studies. Annual research funding for long-term physical and mental health effects is authorized until 2090.

The WTC Health Program updates its research agenda to address existing knowledge gaps, investigate the emergence of health conditions linked to 9/11, and build upon current knowledge. Insight from scientists, community members, patients, and other stakeholders continue to shape the WTC Health Program’s research agenda.