New 9/11 Health Study Targets Young People as Participants

New York University’s Langone Medical Center is conducting a new health study that focuses on young people. The researchers conducting the study are specifically looking for participants who were young children in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Ideal participants would now be 12 to 21 years of age.

Though the study is specifically targeting young people who lived or attended school below Canal Street in New York City, it is also interested in participants who resided throughout the city, as these people will provide a comparison. The toxic dust clouds that followed the tragic attacks have had a number of health effects on those who lived and worked in the area, including cancer and other terminal diseases. Researchers are interested in seeing whether children were similarly affected by the problems that have plagued first responders and local residents.

Children have largely been ignored when studying the health effects of 9/11. However, they are actually among the most vulnerable people as children’s lungs and bodies are still developing. Toxins such as the debris and dust kicked up by the attacks could have had devastating effects on the health and development of young people.

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who is working together with the World Trade Health registry, is leading the health study. Together they have been tracking the health problems experienced by thousands of people who were exposed to toxins following 9/11. Right now the study has approximately 150 participants, but researched are hoping to recruit closer to 450. They are offering $80 Visa gift cards to participants as an incentive. The study will require approximately three hours and include non-invasive tests and responding to a few questions.

If you are a young person with health problems that you believe are related to your exposure during and after 9/11, contact the skilled injury attorneys at Barasch, McGarry Salzman & Penson in New York.