Print icon Print

History of the World Trade Center Health Registry

Resilience and Remembrance through Enrollee Stories

The Registry's research is made possible by the experiences of its enrollees. Their stories help bring data to life, preserve the history of 9/11, and deepen our understanding of how the WTC disaster continues to affect individuals, families, and communities decades later.

In recognition of the Registry's 25th anniversary, enrollees have been invited to share their personal experiences through a special storytelling initiative. Selected stories will be featured in videos, a commemorative booklet, and online exhibits that document the lasting impact of 9/11 and the resilience of those affected.

Visit the Testimonial page to watch enrollee stories and learn how their experiences continue to shape research, healthcare, and public health preparedness for future generations.


The World Trade Center Health Registry (the Registry) was established after September 11, 2001, to better understand the long-term physical and mental health effects of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. Today, the Registry is one of the largest and longest-running post-disaster health studies in the world.

Registry researchers track health trends, investigate emerging health conditions, and identify gaps in care among people affected by 9/11. Findings from Registry research have helped shape health monitoring programs, treatment guidelines, and disaster-response planning in the United States and around the world.

Establishing the Registry

In November 2001, the NYC Health Department helped create the Registry in response to concerns about the potential long-term health effects of exposure to the dust cloud, environmental contaminants, and traumatic events associated with 9/11.

The Registry was established to:

  • Track the health of people affected by 9/11
  • Document long-term physical and mental health outcomes
  • Investigate emerging and rare health conditions
  • Support health monitoring and screening programs
  • Connect enrollees with services and resources

An estimated 400,000 people were eligible to enroll. In July 2002, the Registry received federal funding and began operations.

Enrollment and Wave 1 Survey

Between 2003 and 2004, more than 71,000 people enrolled in the Registry by completing a detailed health interview, known as Wave 1.

Eligible populations included:

  • Rescue and recovery workers and volunteers
  • Residents living near the WTC site
  • Area workers and building occupants
  • Students and staff attending schools in Lower Manhattan

Among those enrolled:

  • 83 percent evacuated a workplace or building on 9/11
  • 70 percent witnessed traumatic events
  • 61 percent of residents evacuated their homes
  • 51 percent were caught in the dust cloud
  • 13 percent reported a 9/11-related injury

Following Health Over Time

To better understand how health changed over the years following 9/11, the Registry conducted multiple follow-up surveys:

Wave 6 focuses on late-emerging health conditions and the effects of aging among an exposed population now more than two decades removed from 9/11.

Research Impact

By linking survey responses with health records and other data sources, the Registry has been able to study the long-term effects of 9/11 across multiple generations.

To date, Registry researchers have published more than 200 peer-reviewed publications examining topics such as respiratory disease, cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, cognitive concerns, quality of life, aging, and resilience. The Registry's findings continue to inform healthcare, public health policy, and disaster preparedness efforts worldwide.

For a complete list of publications, visit the Publications page.