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Nearly 24 years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, many first responders and survivors continue to face serious health challenges linked to their exposure at Ground Zero. When the Twin Towers collapsed, thousands breathed in a hazardous mix of dust and debris, setting off a range of long-term physical ailments.
According to the World Trade Center Health Program, more than 400,000 individuals were exposed to toxic substances and endured both physical injury and intense stress in the aftermath of the attacks. As of March 2025, over 8,200 enrolled members have passed away, including nearly 6,000 responders. While these deaths span all causes and are not exclusively attributed to 9/11-related conditions, the numbers underscore the ongoing impact of that day.
One such individual is Mordechai Shedrowitzky, a volunteer EMT from Queens who responded to the scene that day. Now 51, Shedrowitzky recounts his harrowing experience entering a dark, debris-filled tunnel en route to Lower Manhattan. “There was a tremendous amount of swirling debris at speeds I can’t even imagine,” he said, describing the overwhelming dust that infiltrated their ambulances and lungs.
At the time, Shedrowitzky and his team had little awareness of the long-term dangers posed by the air they were breathing. Yet over the years, his pre-existing asthma worsened dramatically.
Persistent coughing, wheezing, and respiratory infections led to frequent hospital stays and, ultimately, major surgery. In 2024, he underwent a tracheobronchoplasty to reinforce weakened airways caused by a condition linked to his exposure.
Shedrowitzky credits the World Trade Center Health Program for providing vital monitoring and treatment. “It took many years to realize my health issues were probably related to 9/11,” he reflected. Today, he hopes to return to work as a physical therapist and enjoys more quality time with his six children and two grandchildren, something his declining health had once made difficult.
Medical experts emphasize that the toxic dust from 9/11 was highly alkaline and capable of damaging both upper and lower airways, as well as the digestive tract. Dr.
Denise Harrison, medical director at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s WTC Health Program Clinical Center, notes patients often suffer from conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinus issues, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The interplay of these conditions, alongside mental health challenges like PTSD, requires coordinated care from multiple specialists.
The WTC Health Program currently serves more than 130,000 active members and is authorized to operate until 2090, with locations across major health systems including NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and others. Dr.
Harrison stresses that health effects remain persistent and that ongoing research is critical. “Symptoms are still ongoing, and research continues.
Patience is key,” she said, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring to improve treatment and disaster response for future generations.
Shedrowitzky urges fellow responders experiencing health concerns to seek evaluation and care without delay. “If you look at the quality of life it’s robbing you of, that might push you to contact the WTC Health Program and get the help you need,” he advised.
The legacy of 9/11’s impact on health serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made that day and the enduring need for support for those affected.