By Irene Plagianos DNA Info
LOWER MANHATTAN — A new 9/11 health study that focuses on young people is looking for volunteers — and is offering $80 to those who agree to participate.
NYU Langone Medical Center is researching the long-term cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health effects on those who were young children in the aftermath of the devastating September 11 attacks.
The research is focusing on people who are now 12 to 21, said study coordinator Jenny Lee.
Along with children who lived or went to school below Canal Street, the study is looking for young participants who resided throughout the city, for a comparison group.
For their help, participants will get an $80 Visa gift card. Those who are under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to the study, and those parents will get an additional $25 gift card.
The toxic dust clouds that overwhelmed much of Lower Manhattan after 9/11 have caused a variety of well-documented health problems for first responders and Downtown residents.
But Lee said there isn’t much research on the effects on children, particularly newborns to 8-year-olds.
“Children are the most vulnerable group, and we’re trying to take a deeper look at how the conditions after 9/11 may have affected their health,” Lee said. “And also, importantly, how it may continue to affect their health.”
The study is led by Dr. Leonardo Trasande, an associate professor of pediatrics and environmental health, who is working in conjunction with the World Trade Health registry, which has been tracking the health effects on thousands of people who were exposed to the harmful 9/11 dust and debris since 2002.
So far, the study has 150 participants, but the researchers are aiming for a total of 450, Lee said.
Participation takes about three hours and includes some non-invasive cardiovascular tests as well as answering questions.
For more information, contact Jenny Lee at Jennysung.lee@nyumc.org or 646-501-9166.
