Volunteer EMT Mordechai Shedrowitzky required major surgery decades after being exposed to toxic dust at Ground Zero following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. His prolonged health battle, including hospitalizations and the eventual diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia, highlights the lasting impact of the disaster on first responders and survivors.
Shedrowitzky, who was living in Brooklyn at the time of the attacks, headed to Lower Manhattan that evening to assist with the response. He described the scene as overwhelming, with swirling debris and dust filling the air. His ambulance's engine sputtered at times, likely due to the immense amount of dust it was ingesting. At the time, responders were not fully aware of the potential health risks associated with breathing the contaminated air.
Years later, Shedrowitzky noticed his pre-existing asthma worsening significantly. What began as seasonal flare-ups requiring an inhaler evolved into a persistent condition necessitating oral steroids, wheezing, and severe coughing fits. These symptoms impacted his ability to work and care for his children, leading to frequent respiratory infections and hospitalizations. It took many years for him to connect his deteriorating health to his exposure at Ground Zero.
In 2019, his condition worsened dramatically, with a cough that did not resolve even with high doses of steroids and antibiotics. He was eventually connected with the World Trade Center Health Program, a federal program administered by the CDC. Through the program, his condition was classified as 9/11-related, and he was diagnosed with tracheobronchomalacia, a condition where the walls of the trachea and major airways weaken and collapse during breathing. This was likely exacerbated by his worsening asthma and years of steroid use.
In 2024, Shedrowitzky underwent a tracheobronchoplasty, a procedure to structurally reinforce his airways. Two years post-surgery, he reports feeling much better, though he still experiences occasional infections. He hopes to return to his work as a physical therapist.
Dr. Denise Harrison, medical director of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, noted that the dust at Ground Zero was highly alkaline and irritating to the airways. She explained that the overwhelming nature of the disaster led to significant amounts of dust depositing in both upper and lower airways, as well as the digestive tract. Patients commonly report sinus problems, asthma, and COPD, which can be complicated by other aerodigestive issues like GERD.
Harrison also pointed out that 9/11-related conditions can be interlinked. For example, patients with both asthma and PTSD may perceive their asthma symptoms differently, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to care.
As of March 31, 2025, the WTC Health Program had over 130,000 enrolled members, with its authorization extended through 2090. The program provides screening, monitoring, and treatment for individuals affected by 9/11 exposures. Shedrowitzky urged other first responders experiencing health issues to seek help and get monitored, emphasizing that early detection can help mitigate the long-term impact on quality of life.
Experts predict that the health consequences of 9/11 exposure will persist for decades. Research continues into these ongoing symptoms, with the hope that future findings will benefit disaster response efforts broadly.