No Strokes for 9/11 Heroes? WTC Program Says Evidence Lacking
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has received two petitions (Petitions 048 and 051a) to add "stroke" to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioners, the Administrator has determined that there is insufficient evidence available to support taking further action regarding stroke at this time. The Administrator also finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee, publish a proposed rule, or publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Stroke Petition Denied for WTC Benefits
The WTC Health Program denied Petitions 048 and 051a asking to add “stroke” to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions as of September 15, 2026. The Administrator determined there is insufficient evidence and will not request a STAC recommendation, publish a proposed rule, or publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.
Science Team Evidence: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic
The WTC Health Program Science Team reviewed 18 peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies, found 9 to be high-quality, and concluded the evidence for ischemic stroke is limited (Category III) while evidence for hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack is inadequate (Category V). These evidence ratings underlie the Administrator’s decision not to add stroke to the List.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-18898, 739th Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS)
Next: 2026-18901, World Trade Center Health Program; Petition 048a-Peripheral Artery Disease; Finding of Insufficient Evidence
The Administrator of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program has received a petition (Petition 048a) to add "peripheral vascular disease" (referred to herein as "peripheral artery disease") to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. Upon reviewing the scientific and medical literature, including information provided by the petitioner, the Administrator has determined that there is insufficient evidence available to support taking further action at this time regarding peripheral artery disease. The Administrator also finds that insufficient evidence exists to request a recommendation of the WTC Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee, publish a proposed rule, or publish a determination not to publish a proposed rule.