Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / Center / Health / Registry / Trade / World

World Trade Center Health Registry

  • Introduction: What is the World Trade Center Health Registry?
  • History: When was the registry established and why?
  • Population: Who is included in the registry and how were they recruited?
  • Data Collection: How is information collected and stored in the registry?
  • Findings: What have been some of the key findings from the registry?
  • Impact: How has the registry informed policies and programs related to 9/11 health issues?
  • Future: What are the future plans for the World Trade Center Health Registry?
  • Collaborations: Who are some of the partner organizations that work with the registry?
  • Research Opportunities: How can researchers access the registry's data for their own studies?
  • Contact Information: Where can individuals go to learn more about the World Trade Center Health Registry or participate?

Introduction: What is the World Trade Center Health Registry?

The World Trade Center Health Registry is a program established by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to monitor the health of individuals who were exposed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001. The registry was created to track the physical and mental health of those who were in the vicinity of the attacks, including first responders, rescue and recovery workers, volunteers, area residents, and others who were present during the attacks and their aftermath.

History: When was the registry established and why?

The World Trade Center Health Registry was established in 2002, one year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The registry was created to provide a central database for tracking the health of people who were exposed to the many toxins and pollutants released during and after the attacks. The registry was also intended to help researchers better understand the long-term health effects of exposure to these toxins, including respiratory problems, cancer, and mental health issues.

Population: Who is included in the registry and how were they recruited?

The World Trade Center Health Registry includes individuals who were present in Lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001, as well as those who worked or volunteered at the World Trade Center site in the weeks and months following the attacks. This includes first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, as well as construction workers, utility workers, and others who helped with the cleanup and recovery efforts. In addition, the registry includes area residents, students, and workers who were in the vicinity of the attacks and may have been exposed to the toxins and pollutants released during and after the attacks.

Recruitment for the registry began in 2003, and included a variety of outreach methods, including mailings, phone calls, and community events. Individuals were invited to participate in the registry by completing a health questionnaire and undergoing a medical exam. The registry has continued to recruit new participants over the years, and currently includes more than 70,000 people.

Data Collection: How is information collected and stored in the registry?

The World Trade Center Health Registry collects data through a variety of methods, including health surveys, medical exams, and follow-up interviews. Participants are asked to complete a baseline health questionnaire that gathers information about their exposure to the attacks, their physical and mental health, and other factors that may affect their health. Participants are also asked to provide blood and urine samples for analysis.

The registry stores its data in a secure, centralized database, which is maintained by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The data is de-identified to protect participant privacy while still allowing for analysis and research. Researchers who wish to access the registry's data must submit a request to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and agree to abide by strict guidelines for data use and confidentiality.

Findings: What have been some of the key findings from the registry?

Over the years, the World Trade Center Health Registry has produced a wealth of data on the health effects of exposure to the 9/11 attacks. Some of the key findings from the registry include:

  • High levels of respiratory problems among first responders and others who were present at the World Trade Center site.
  • Elevated rates of mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, among those exposed to the attacks.
  • Increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly among first responders and rescue and recovery workers.
  • Long-term health effects, including respiratory problems, mental health issues, and other chronic conditions, for many individuals who were exposed to the attacks.

Impact: How has the registry informed policies and programs related to 9/11 health issues?

The World Trade Center Health Registry has had a significant impact on policies and programs related to 9/11 health issues. The registry's data has been used to inform the development of health care programs for individuals affected by the attacks, including the World Trade Center Health Program and the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. The registry's findings have also been used to inform public health policies related to disaster preparedness and response, as well as to guide research on the long-term health effects of exposure to environmental toxins.

Future: What are the future plans for the World Trade Center Health Registry?

The World Trade Center Health Registry will continue to monitor the health of individuals who were exposed to the 9/11 attacks, with a focus on identifying and addressing emerging health issues related to exposure to environmental toxins. The registry will also continue to collaborate with other organizations and researchers to advance our understanding of the long-term health effects of disasters and environmental exposures, and to develop strategies for promoting public health and disaster preparedness.

Collaborations: Who are some of the partner organizations that work with the registry?

The World Trade Center Health Registry collaborates with a variety of organizations and agencies, both nationally and internationally, to advance our understanding of the long-term health effects of the 9/11 attacks and other environmental disasters. Some of the key partner organizations include the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Research Opportunities: How can researchers access the registry's data for their own studies?

Researchers who wish to access the World Trade Center Health Registry's data for their own studies must submit a request to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and agree to abide by strict guidelines for data use and confidentiality. The registry's data is available for a wide range of research purposes, including epidemiological studies, health services research, and clinical trials.

Contact Information: Where can individuals go to learn more about the World Trade Center Health Registry or participate?

Individuals who are interested in learning more about the World Trade Center Health Registry or participating in the program can visit the registry's website at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/911health/about/wtchp.page or call the registry's information line at 1-866-692-9827. The registry also maintains an active presence on social media and other online platforms, where individuals can stay up-to-date on the latest news and research related to 9/11 health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about World Trade Center Health Registry

What is the World Trade Center Health Registry?

The World Trade Center Health Registry is a program created by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to monitor the health of people who were exposed to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the aftermath at the World Trade Center site.

Who is eligible to be part of the Health Registry?

People who were present in the affected area of the September 11th attacks between 9/11/2001 and 7/31/2002 are eligible to join the Health Registry. This includes responders, residents, workers, and volunteers who were in the area during that time period.

What kind of health problems does the Health Registry monitor?

The Health Registry monitors physical and mental health problems related to the September 11th attacks and their aftermath. This includes respiratory and digestive problems, cancer, mental health conditions, and other illnesses that may have resulted from exposure to the toxins released during the attacks and in the cleanup efforts.

How can I join the Health Registry?

You can join the Health Registry by completing a brief survey online or over the phone. The survey asks about your exposure to the September 11th attacks and your current health status. You can also contact the Health Registry by phone or email for assistance with completing the survey or if you have any questions.