Investigating health issues in firefighters exposed to World Trade Center dust
Official title: Aerodigestive Disease in the World Trade Center Exposed FDNY Cohort: Validation of Biomarkers and Defining Risk to Tailor Therapy
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10995131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at firefighters from the FDNY who were exposed to dust from the World Trade Center to better understand their breathing and digestive health issues, so we can find better treatments to help them feel better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,729 |
| NIH project number | 2U01OH012069-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are firefighters and first responders who were exposed to World Trade Center particulate matter.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to World Trade Center dust or do not have related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on firefighters from the FDNY who were exposed to particulate matter from the World Trade Center collapse. It aims to validate biomarkers related to obstructive airways disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett’s Esophagus, which are prevalent among this cohort. By understanding these health issues better, the study seeks to tailor therapies that can improve the quality of life for affected individuals. The research will also explore the connections between these conditions and lung health, providing insights into effective management strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and better health outcomes for firefighters suffering from respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant health impacts from similar exposures, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nolan, Anna — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Nolan, Anna
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.