Twenty-five years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, thousands of first responders and survivors are still contending with the long-term health consequences of their exposure to toxic substances at Ground Zero. The World Trade Center Health Program estimates that approximately 400,000 people were exposed to dangerous dust, smoke, and debris, along with significant physical injury risks and emotionally stressful conditions.
More than 9,400 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses, a figure that far surpasses the 2,977 who perished in the attacks themselves. The WTC Health Program has certified at least 69 types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and skin cancers, as linked to the aftermath of 9/11. Additionally, airway and digestive disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and mental health conditions have been recognized as related to the exposure.
New York City Fire Department probationary firefighter Michael O'Connell was sworn in just four months before the attacks and spent weeks at Ground Zero, extinguishing fires and participating in search-and-rescue operations. He began experiencing health problems in 2007, more than five years after his deployment, and was eventually diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease believed to be linked to his exposure.
Thomas Wilson, a sergeant with the New York Police Department, was securing bridges and witnessing the mass exodus from Manhattan on 9/11. He later spent approximately 350 hours in recovery efforts at Ground Zero and worked as a sifter at the Fresh Kills Landfill, sorting through debris. Wilson was diagnosed with an aggressive neck cancer that spread to his tongue and skeletal muscle, which doctors linked to inhaling toxins. He has since undergone extensive surgery and continues to manage severe asthma, fibrosis, and osteoradionecrosis in his jaw, also seeking mental health support.
Ivonne Sanchez, a former FDNY emergency medical technician, arrived at Ground Zero shortly after the towers fell and worked for 20 consecutive hours. She later worked on body identification and recovery for months, not receiving a mask until October. Sanchez developed chronic sinusitis and asthma, and in 2014, was diagnosed with aggressive Stage II breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. Despite her cancer being in remission, she also suffers from gastrointestinal problems and stomach ulcers attributed to her time at Ground Zero.
Civilians who lived or worked near the World Trade Center also developed illnesses. Barbara Mohan, an office administrator and paralegal working just blocks from the site, was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in 2016. She initially experienced hip pain and inflammation, which was later found to be a lesion on her hip bone. Mohan believes her cancer is linked to her 9/11 exposure, a connection she initially struggled to accept.
Concerns about the air quality at Ground Zero were present early on. Internal documents, such as the "Harding Memo" from October 2001, suggested that city officials were aware of air quality dangers and potential legal liability, even as the public was assured the air was safe to breathe. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also initially stated that the air was safe, though the former EPA administrator later apologized for any inaccuracies.
The fight for adequate healthcare and compensation for 9/11-related illnesses has been a long and arduous one. John Feal, a demolition supervisor injured at Ground Zero, became an advocate after his initial claim for compensation was denied due to eligibility windows. He founded the FealGood Foundation to assist Ground Zero workers. Feal, along with other responders, lobbied Congress, leading to the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. This act established the WTC Health Program and provided health monitoring and aid. The act was reauthorized in 2015 and again in 2019, extending medical benefits through 2090.
To date, the Victims' Compensation Fund (VCF) has received over 112,000 claims and awarded more than $18.56 billion to over 77,000 claimants since reopening in 2011. Despite these efforts, many responders and survivors continue to navigate complex medical conditions and advocate for ongoing support.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum plans to add a seventh moment of silence and a bell toll at its 25th commemoration ceremony to honor those who have died from illnesses connected to their exposure at Ground Zero. Responders like O'Connell, Wilson, and Sanchez continue to share their experiences, emphasizing the enduring impact of the attacks and the ongoing need for awareness and care.