Investigating heart disease in rescue workers exposed to World Trade Center dust
Official title: Cardiovascular Disease among WTC-exposed Rescue/Recovery Workers
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-10994800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in dust from the World Trade Center might affect the heart health of rescue and recovery workers, to see if those who were more exposed to the dust are more likely to develop heart problems over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $349,732 |
| NIH project number | 1U01OH012771-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are rescue and recovery workers who were exposed to WTC dust during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not involved in the rescue or recovery efforts at the WTC site may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between exposure to dust from the World Trade Center (WTC) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among rescue and recovery workers. By analyzing medical records from a centralized New York State database, the study aims to evaluate the incidence of CVD events in a large cohort of these workers, particularly comparing those with high and low levels of exposure. The research will also assess how CVD incidence may change over time and across different occupations involved in the rescue efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease in individuals exposed to hazardous environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying results regarding the link between WTC exposure and cardiovascular disease, indicating that this research is building on existing knowledge but aims to clarify inconsistencies.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeig-Owens, Rachel — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Zeig-Owens, Rachel
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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.