Twenty-five years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the health crisis that followed is still claiming lives. Dr. Marc Siegel, a physician who was involved in the response efforts, has treated many patients with health consequences related to their exposure to toxic debris.
Dr. Siegel recalled the day he arrived at the World Trade Center disaster site, where he was handed an N95 mask and made his way through the rubble, aware of the potential health risks. He noted that at the time, there was a film in the air, and people were aware of the potential for serious health problems.
According to the World Trade Center Health Program, 57,000 cancer cases have been linked to the toxins released on 9/11. This number has increased by 75% from 2023 to 2025 alone. The most common types of cancer associated with 9/11 exposure are skin, prostate, breast, and thyroid cancers, as well as lymphomas.
More than 9,000 people have died from health-related effects of 9/11, far exceeding the number of deaths in the attacks themselves. Dr. Siegel noted that the physical and emotional impact of that day continues to linger, with many people still experiencing health problems related to their exposure.
The World Trade Center Health Program has been monitoring the health of those affected, using CT scans and other screening tools to identify potential health issues. Dr. Siegel has treated many patients with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cancer, and has shared patients with the World Trade Center Health Program.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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