Former New York Governor George Pataki revealed he has been diagnosed with restrictive airway disease, an illness he attributes to his exposure to toxins at the World Trade Center site following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Pataki, a Republican who served as governor from 1995 to 2006, disclosed his condition in an interview with The Post, stating he received the diagnosis within the last five years.
"I just look at it as I’m one of the lucky ones," Pataki told The Post. "You know, 25 years later, I feel great. I have this minor residual impact from that time. But compared to so many others, I consider myself very lucky."
The former governor's revelation comes days before the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He emphasized that his illness is less severe than those experienced by many first responders and public servants who worked for months at ground zero. Pataki confirmed he has not been diagnosed with cancer related to his exposure.
Restrictive airway disease is caused by toxic dust and fine particulate matter inhaled at sites like ground zero, making individuals more susceptible to common illnesses like the flu. A representative for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani confirmed that Giuliani was also diagnosed with restrictive airway disease after being hospitalized with pneumonia earlier this year.
Pataki, the last Republican to win statewide office in New York, also recently made headlines for his comments regarding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's potential attendance at a ground zero remembrance ceremony. Pataki suggested Mamdani should condemn antisemitic slogans and distance himself from commentators who praise the attacks before attending, stating that out of respect for victims and responders, Mamdani should consider not going if these conditions are not met.