Investigating long-term health effects of 9/11 exposure on heart and metabolic diseases
Official title: Cardiometabolic diseases in the World Trade Center general responder cohort and the role of subsequent environmental exposures
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10954249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 12, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $474,332 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034864-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yitshak Sade, Maayan — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Yitshak Sade, Maayan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cardiometabolic Health in World Trade Center Responders and How Exposures Help Shape It
This project looks at how surviving the World Trade Center cleanup exposure might influence long-term heart and metabolic health in responders.
-
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Fat-linked amino acids and fatty liver with heart disease risk
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Macrophage roles in heart disease and fat-related conditions
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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.