Assessment and Evaluation of Emerging Health Conditions Relevant to the World Trade Center Health Program (U01)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) supports research projects that address the following broad research areas: (1) Physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; (2) Diagnosing WTC-related health conditions for which there has been diagnostic uncertainty; and (3) Treating WTC-related health conditions for which there has been treatment uncertainty. These broad research areas can include health conditions which have emerged over the course of time since the treatment program started (or the WTC Health Program was created). WTC responders, screening-eligible WTC survivors, and certified-eligible WTC survivors comprise the relevant populations of concern for research supported by the WTC Health Program. The purpose of this announcement is to increase opportunities for research on emerging conditions identified by WTC Health Program surveillance and research activities as requiring further program consideration. Generally, NIOSH is seeking more information from research on the potential for a causal relationship between 9/11 exposures and specific emerging health conditions that are not presently listed as WTC-related conditions. An ‘emerging’ condition is one in which preliminary data on a 9/11-exposed population are suggestive of, but inconclusive on, a causal relationship between 9/11 exposure and the health condition. Examples are ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke), dementia, Parkinson disease, peripheral neuropathy, sensorineural hearing loss, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, among others. Examples can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/wtc/received.html in the section titled, Petitions Received and WTC Health Program Responses. Additional information on petitions is available in the following publication "The World Trade Center Health Program: Petitions for adding qualifying health conditions" (Am J Ind Med 64(10): 885-892). Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations that share expertise are essential to advance WTC Health Program efforts to support activities to address emerging WTC Health Program health and well-being priorities. The research should consider health equity initiatives in design, where possible. Opportunities for future health effects research involving vulnerable groups of persons (e.g., minorities, women, children, and other potentially disadvantaged groups) who were exposed to the 9/11 attacks and aftermath are of special interest. Research is needed to identify at-risk groups, characterize the health burden, and to inform care. The WTC Health Program Research webpage provides comprehensive information and tools for researchers. The research agenda, publication library, and other resources, including the Funding Dashboard, can also be found there (e.g., awarded project details such as publications, topics, populations, funding awarded, and the principal investigators and their institutions).