Twenty-five years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, many first responders and nearby residents continue to experience serious health problems linked to their exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero.
On September 11, 2001, hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers, causing their collapse and releasing a dense cloud of pulverized concrete, asbestos, glass fibers, burnt plastics, and other hazardous materials into the surrounding area. Curt Andrews, a volunteer firefighter from Connecticut, was among those who rushed to assist, spending a week working at the disaster site without protective masks. He recalls walking through ash up to his knees and being covered in dust, which caused skin irritation and respiratory issues. Andrews has since undergone treatment for skin cancer eight times, attributing the condition to his exposure at Ground Zero.
Thousands of volunteers joined rescue and recovery efforts in the weeks following the attacks. However, many were unaware of the health risks posed by the highly toxic environment. Fires smoldering beneath the rubble for months further worsened air quality in Lower Manhattan. Initially, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared the air safe on September 18, 2001, but this assessment was later retracted after evidence of widespread health problems emerged. Despite the risks, many workplaces and schools near the site, including the New York Stock Exchange, reopened within days or weeks of the attacks, exposing residents to prolonged pollution.
Lila Nordstrom, who attended a school near the World Trade Center, developed worsening asthma, gastrointestinal issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder after the attacks. Her experience reflects the ongoing medical challenges faced by survivors and responders alike. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented more than 57,000 cancer cases connected to the attacks, with skin cancer being the most prevalent, followed by prostate and breast cancers. In the 12 months leading up to June 2026, over 10,000 additional cancer diagnoses were recorded among those exposed.
Other common health conditions attributed to 9/11 exposure include chronic reflux, asthma, and PTSD. More than 150,000 individuals are currently enrolled in a government health program that evaluates claims to determine whether illnesses are related to the disaster based on scientific criteria.
While the official death toll from the attacks stood at approximately 3,000 people, experts estimate that the number of deaths caused by long-term health complications exceeds that initial figure. Toxicological analyses conducted shortly after the disaster identified over 350 chemical substances in the dust, including kerosene, insulation materials, and various heavy metals, many of which can cause lasting damage to the respiratory and digestive systems.
Andrews recalls the toll taken on his fellow firefighters, including several who suffered from cancer and other severe conditions attributed to their time at Ground Zero. Despite his ongoing health struggles, he remains resolute about his decision to assist on 9/11, stating he would do it again. He only returned to the Ground Zero site decades later, accompanied by a friend who encouraged him to visit in 2023. Andrews commemorates his experience with a tattoo of the Twin Towers draped in an American flag and the phrase "Never forget" on his forearm—an enduring reminder of the tragic event and its long-lasting impact.