Investigating long-term health effects of 9/11 exposure on heart and metabolic diseases

Cardiometabolic diseases in the World Trade Center general responder cohort and the role of subsequent environmental exposures

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10954249

This study is looking at how breathing in toxic dust and chemicals from the World Trade Center after 9/11 has impacted the long-term health of first responders and cleanup workers, especially in relation to heart and diabetes issues, to help improve healthcare for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954249 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how exposure to toxic dust and chemicals from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks has affected the long-term health of first responders and others involved in the cleanup. By analyzing data from the WTC Health Program, which includes health assessments and laboratory tests of over 43,000 responders, the study aims to identify risks for cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. The research will help fill gaps in knowledge regarding these health issues that are not currently recognized as related to 9/11 exposure, potentially influencing healthcare policies and treatment accessibility for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include first responders, emergency medical technicians, and residents who were exposed to the toxic environment during and after the 9/11 attacks.

Not a fit: Patients who were not involved in the 9/11 response or cleanup efforts and have no history of exposure to the related environmental toxins may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better recognition and treatment options for cardiometabolic diseases in individuals exposed to the 9/11 disaster.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant health impacts related to 9/11 exposure, particularly concerning respiratory and cancer risks, but this specific focus on cardiometabolic diseases is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellituscancer riskCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.