WTC Rejects Artery Disease Link: Science Trumps Petitions Again
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
PAD Not Added to WTC List
The WTC Health Program Administrator denied Petition 048a to add peripheral artery disease (PAD) to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions, effective September 15, 2026. The Science Team identified nine peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies but judged the evidence inadequate (Category V) and found no high-quality studies, so the Program will not propose adding PAD to the List at this time.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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