WTC Health Program Denies Eight Petitions to Add Ischemic Heart Disease as a Covered Condition

The Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program published a Federal Register notice denying eight petitions (024, 042, 046, 047, 051, 056, 058, and 067) requesting that ischemic heart disease be added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. After reviewing the scientific literature, including material submitted by petitioners, the Administrator found insufficient evidence to support convening the program's Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee or proposing a rule change. Advocates for 9/11 survivors and responders said the denial came amid broader concerns that staffing shortages at the WTC Health Program and leadership turnover at the CDC were slowing the addition of new covered conditions even as long-term studies continue to document elevated cardiovascular and cancer risk among Ground Zero responders.