More than two decades have passed since the world stood still on September 11, 2001, in the wake of the devastating 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. As we mark 23 years since the Twin Towers fell, the tragedy continues to haunt the lives of thousands of people who were exposed to the dust, smoke, and debris from the collapse. The long-term health consequences of this disaster are still unfolding, and in many ways, 9/11 is still claiming lives today.
In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attack, first responders, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other workers rushed to Ground Zero to search for survivors. Amid the toxic dust and smoke, many workers spent days, weeks, and even months helping with rescue and recovery efforts. Elizabeth Cascio, a former EMT with the New York Fire Department (FDNY), is one of the many whose life was altered by their time at Ground Zero. She recalls the toxic air that filled the area as soon as she arrived, saying, “You felt like you had to hold your breath…I could feel the particles coming into my nose and mouth and thought: ‘This can’t be good.'”
Like many others, Cascio developed respiratory issues, including a persistent cough, soon after her time at Ground Zero. However, the full extent of her exposure’s toll on her health would not be realized until many years later. In 2019, Cascio was diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, a condition directly linked to the toxins she inhaled while working in the aftermath of 9/11. At 61 years old, she is still monitored by the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program, which provides medical care to those affected by the 9/11 attack and conducts research into the long-term health consequences of the disaster.
The toxic dust that blanketed Lower Manhattan after the collapse of the Twin Towers was far more dangerous than initially believed. Despite initial reassurances from authorities, including then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the air was filled with asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. As research later revealed, the dust contained gypsum, calcite, and ultrafine soot particles that could damage the respiratory system. Today, the health repercussions of that exposure are still coming to light, with more than 127,000 people enrolled in the WTC Health Program. These individuals, including first responders and residents of the disaster area, face a range of illnesses, including respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and various forms of cancer.
As of December 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 6,781 people enrolled in the WTC Health Program have died from 9/11-related illnesses. That number is more than double the 2,977 people who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks themselves. Among the fatalities are over 360 members of the FDNY, surpassing the 343 firefighters who perished on 9/11. This grim statistic underscores the ongoing impact of the 9/11 attack on those who risked their lives in the rescue efforts.
John Feal, a demolition expert and first responder who was seriously injured during the Ground Zero cleanup, describes the toxic exposure as a “soup no one has ever seen before.” Feal now advocates for health benefits for 9/11 responders through the Feal Good Foundation, emphasizing that while some people developed health issues almost immediately, others fell ill years later. “We’re still getting sick, and people are dying from their exposure,” says Michael O’Connell, a former FDNY responder who developed a rare autoimmune disease six years after the attack.
Among the many illnesses linked to 9/11 exposure are rare cancers, respiratory disorders, and even neurological conditions. Recent studies have found higher-than-normal rates of cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia among 9/11 survivors and responders. In addition, new research suggests that many individuals exposed to the toxic dust are now experiencing signs of nerve damage, including neuropathy.
Mental health remains a major concern for the 9/11 community as well. Many survivors and responders continue to grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Researchers have discovered that prolonged exposure to stress from the event has led to accelerated biological aging, further compounding the physical toll of 9/11-related illnesses. Iris Udasin, a public health expert studying 9/11 conditions, notes that many patients seek mental health care long after their physical symptoms appear. Each September, as the anniversary of the 9/11 attack approaches, clinics see an increase in the number of patients seeking mental health support.
This September 11, 2024, as the world commemorates 9/11 Remembrance, it is important to remember not only those who lost their lives on that tragic day but also the thousands of people who are still suffering from its aftermath. While the rescue workers who rushed to Ground Zero are most often recognized, the general public, including local residents and schoolchildren, were also exposed to the same toxic air. People like Lila Nordstrom, who was a 17-year-old student when the towers fell, are still dealing with health issues related to the 9/11 attack.
For the countless individuals impacted by 9/11, the passage of time has not diminished the lasting effects of that day. As we mark yet another anniversary, the ongoing fight for recognition, treatment, and justice continues for those whose lives were forever altered by the September 11, 2001 attacks. The legacy of 9/11 endures, both in the memories of the lives lost and in the bodies of the survivors who are still fighting to overcome the long-term effects of that day.