Distal Airway Dysfunction in Young Adults after Childhood 9/11 Exposure
Official title: Distal Airway Dysfunction Following Childhood Exposure to the World Trade Center Attack: Predictors and Clinical Consequences
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11578864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Kids exposed to the World Trade Center disaster may have hidden breathing problems later, and this study looks to see if those early exposures relate to ongoing airway issues in young adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $237,764 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OH013131-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11578864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are individuals who were exposed to the 9/11 event during childhood and have existing IOS and spirometry data.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without childhood 9/11 exposure or without the relevant data may not benefit from this analysis.
What this research studies
This project reuses existing health and exposure data to explore whether being exposed to the 9/11 attack during childhood affects distal airway function and overall respiratory health in young adults. It uses impulse oscillometry, a gentle test that can detect small-airway problems that spirometry might miss, to analyze data from about 511 participants. The team will examine patterns and predictors of abnormal airway function to better understand long-term lung health after early-life disaster exposure. The work builds on prior findings of respiratory issues in rescue workers and aims to fill a gap about childhood exposure effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help clinicians identify children at risk for distal airway problems who might benefit from early monitoring or interventions as they grow.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies show distal airway changes in some exposed groups, but this project focuses on childhood exposure and may reveal new patterns.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoven, Christina W. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hoven, Christina W.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.