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Respiratory Conditions and Health Care Use Among World Trade Center Health Program Members, 2011 to 2024
Laura Kurth1, Nirmala T Myers1, David J Blackley1
1Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|August 5, 2026
Summary
The World Trade Center Health Program saw increasing respiratory disease certifications and healthcare costs among 9/11 responders and survivors. Ongoing monitoring is crucial for guiding future interventions and policies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program provides medical services to individuals affected by 9/11.
- Respiratory diseases are a significant concern among WTC-exposed populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify WTC Health Program members with respiratory disease (RD) certification.
- To describe the characteristics, certifications, and healthcare utilization of RD-certified members from 2011-2024.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of administrative data on enrollment, certifications, and medical claims (July 2011-December 2024).
- Identification of members certified for RD, including obstructive airway disease, upper respiratory disease, and interstitial lung disease.
- Assessment of healthcare use and costs associated with RD certifications.
Main Results:
- 38% of 139,970 enrolled members (53,444) were certified for RD.
- Upper respiratory disease was most common in responders (82%), obstructive airway disease in survivors (65%).
- Over 80% had co-certifications; annual healthcare costs rose faster than RD-related costs.
Conclusions:
- Comorbidity and healthcare costs are increasing in WTC-exposed individuals with RD certifications.
- Continued medical monitoring and data collection are essential for policy and intervention development.
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