Although research after an episode of terror can provide important information to improve the health and well-being of present
and future victims, there are unique ethical challenges that need to be addressed. Man-made disasters have profound effects
on victims, rescue workers, and their families and on others in the community; this may impair their ability to provide voluntary
and uncoerced decisions about research participation. Because such potential participants in research may be vulnerable and
also subject to being overburdened with redundant research, they deserve special consideration. We propose specific recommendations
to assist investigators, institutional review boards (IRBs), public health officials, and political leaders to help serve
the interests of future participants in terror-related research.
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Clinical Professor of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.