Decades after responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, former volunteer EMT Mordechai Shedrowitzky continues to experience severe health consequences from his exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero. His case highlights the long-term health challenges faced by those present at the World Trade Center site.
Shedrowitzky, who was living in Brooklyn at the time, responded to Lower Manhattan on the evening of 9/11. He described an overwhelming amount of swirling debris and dust as he and his team entered the area. He recalled his ambulance's engine sputtering, likely from inhaling the contaminated air. At the time, he and others were unaware of the potential health risks associated with the exposure.
Years later, Shedrowitzky noticed his pre-existing asthma, which had been manageable, began to worsen significantly. He experienced increased wheezing and coughing, requiring oral steroids and leading to frequent respiratory infections and hospitalizations. The condition progressed to the point where it impacted his daily life, including his ability to work and care for his children.
In 2019, Shedrowitzky's symptoms became particularly severe, with a persistent cough that did not respond to high doses of medication. Through the World Trade Center Health Program, a federal program administered by the CDC, his condition was eventually diagnosed as tracheobronchomalacia—a condition where the airways weaken and collapse during breathing. He believes this was likely a secondary effect of his worsening asthma and prolonged steroid use.
In 2024, Shedrowitzky underwent a tracheobronchoplasty procedure to reinforce his airways. He reports feeling much improved since the surgery, though he still experiences occasional infections. The procedure has significantly enhanced his ability to speak and interact with his now-grown children and grandchildren, a quality of life that had been greatly diminished.
Dr. Denise Harrison, medical director of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, explained that the dust at Ground Zero was highly alkaline and irritating to the airways. The sheer volume of debris meant that both large and small particles penetrated deep into the respiratory and digestive tracts. Patients often present with conditions like sinus problems, asthma, and COPD, which can be complicated by other aerodigestive issues like GERD.
Harrison noted that conditions can be interlinked, citing examples where PTSD can alter a patient's perception of asthma symptoms, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to care. As of March 31, 2025, the WTC Health Program, authorized through 2090, had over 130,000 enrolled members. The program provides screening, monitoring, and treatment for health effects related to 9/11 exposure.
Shedrowitzky encourages other first responders experiencing health issues to seek help through the World Trade Center Health Program, emphasizing the importance of early monitoring to detect potential problems. Experts predict that the health fallout from the 9/11 attacks will continue for decades.