Rising Mortality Rate for 9/11 Responders Linked to 2022’s Shocking Cause

The FDNY reveals a grim milestone: more 9/11 first responders died from toxic exposure in 2022 than on the day of the attacks.

At a Glance

370 FDNY first responders have died from Ground Zero toxin exposure, surpassing the 343 who died on 9/11
Nearly 10,000 first responders and others at Ground Zero have been diagnosed with cancer
Federal funding for the World Trade Center Health Program may run out by 2028
Proposed legislation aims to extend funding through 2033 or even 2090

A Tragic Milestone for FDNY First Responders

The brave men and women who rushed to Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, are facing a new, insidious enemy. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) has reported that the number of 9/11 first responders who have died from exposure to toxins at Ground Zero has reached 370, surpassing the 343 FDNY members who perished on the day of the attacks. This grim statistic underscores the ongoing health crisis facing those who selflessly served in the aftermath of America’s darkest day.

The toxic cloud that engulfed Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the World Trade Center towers contained a lethal cocktail of substances, including asbestos, burning jet fuel, plastics, metal, and fiberglass. Approximately 410,000 first responders, cleanup crews, and survivors were exposed to this hazardous air at Ground Zero, leading to a wide range of severe health issues in the years since.

The Devastating Health Toll

The health consequences for 9/11 first responders have been severe and wide-ranging. Nearly 10,000 individuals present at the World Trade Center area on September 11, 2001, have been diagnosed with cancer. The rate of some cancers among first responders is up to 30 percent higher than in the general population. Respiratory diseases, digestive issues, and mental health conditions are also prevalent among those exposed to the toxic environment at Ground Zero.

“We’re nervous,” said Michael Crane, MD, MPH, director of the World Trade Center Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

The World Trade Center Health Program, established to provide testing and treatment for 9/11 responders and survivors, now monitors and treats over 132,000 individuals. Common health conditions include rhinosinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, sleep apnea, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression, and anxiety.

Funding Challenges and Legislative Efforts

As the health crisis continues to unfold, there is growing concern about the future of federal funding for essential medical treatments. The World Trade Center Health Program is expected to face a significant shortfall by 2028, potentially leaving thousands of first responders and survivors without access to crucial care. This looming financial crisis has spurred new legislative efforts to ensure continued support for these American heroes.

“The drop-off in lung function initially is really quite significant and doesn’t get better. That’s not what we’ve generally come to expect in people with fire and smoke exposure. They usually recover.”

Lt. Jim Brosi, a staunch advocate for 9/11 first responders, is championing the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024. This proposed legislation aims to extend funding through 2033, providing a critical lifeline for those still battling 9/11-related illnesses. Some lawmakers are pushing for even more comprehensive support, with proposals to fund the program through 2090 and increase research funding to better understand and treat the long-term health effects of toxic exposure.

A Call to Honor Our Heroes

As we honor the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, it is clear that the impact of that fateful day continues to reverberate through the lives of those who answered the call of duty. The increasing number of deaths among 9/11 first responders serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing sacrifice made by these brave men and women. It is incumbent upon our nation to ensure that these heroes receive the care and support they need and deserve.

The fight to secure long-term funding for 9/11 first responders and survivors is not just a matter of healthcare policy—it is a moral imperative. As Americans, we must honor the commitment made to those who risked everything in service to our nation during its darkest hour. By supporting legislation to extend and expand the World Trade Center Health Program, we can ensure that the legacy of 9/11 is one of unwavering support for our heroes, rather than abandonment in their time of need.