Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the health consequences for many survivors and first responders remain a significant concern. Retired New York City police officer John Aris, who underwent lung surgery for cancer potentially linked to his exposure at Ground Zero, exemplifies the ongoing struggles faced by those who worked amid the toxic debris. During a recent appointment, Aris reflected on friends lost to illnesses such as esophageal cancer, leukemia, and respiratory diseases—conditions that emerged years after the attacks.
Similarly, retired firefighter William Corrar was diagnosed with esophageal cancer after initially dismissing symptoms as age-related. These cases underscore a broader pattern seen among thousands who spent months at the disaster site or lived nearby, inhaling a hazardous mix of pulverized concrete, asbestos, heavy metals, and combustion byproducts.
Dr. Raja Flores, chair of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, has treated many patients with cancers and respiratory illnesses associated with 9/11 exposure. He emphasizes that while it is difficult to definitively prove a direct cause for an individual’s cancer, epidemiological studies show increased disease rates among exposed populations. More than 140,000 responders and survivors are enrolled in the federally administered World Trade Center Health Program, with tens of thousands diagnosed with related conditions. Over 8,000 enrolled members have died, and the toll continues to grow.
The ongoing health crisis highlights that the impact of September 11 extends far beyond the day of the attacks. For many affected individuals and their families, the tragedy has transformed into a prolonged battle with chronic illness. This year’s 25th anniversary ceremony will include a new moment of silence to honor those who have died from exposure-related diseases, acknowledging that for many, the effects of 9/11 are still very much present.