Youth Research Cohort Update: The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program’s Youth Research Cohort Will Include Individuals Who Were in Utero at the Time of Their 9/11 Exposures

After extensive scientific, legal, and policy review, the Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has agreed to include individuals who were in utero during the time of their 9/11 exposures in the Program’s Youth Research Cohort, as previously recommended by the Program’s Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC), Survivor Steering Committee, and members of Congress. The WTC Health Program is incorporating this change into Youth Research Cohort program materials.

It is important to note that individuals eligible to be included in the Youth Research Cohort because of their in utero exposure to 9/11 toxic agents do not qualify for membership in the WTC Health Program according to current eligibility requirements as specified in the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, as amended.

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program is currently in Phase 1 (Community Engagement) of a four-phased approach to establish the Youth Research Cohort. This phased approach is expected to continue through summer of 2025, when the WTC Health Program plans to select an option and begin implementation.

Learn more about the Youth Research Cohort.

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