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The ongoing crisis of Sept. 11-related cancers and other illnesses
STAT • • nation
Key Points:
- John Aris, a retired NYC police officer who had part of his lung removed due to cancer possibly linked to 9/11 exposure, reflects the ongoing health struggles faced by many first responders and survivors years after the attacks.
- The 25th anniversary of 9/11 will include a new moment of silence to honor those who died from illnesses related to their exposure at Ground Zero, acknowledging the long-term impact of the disaster.
- Thousands of responders and residents exposed to toxic dust and debris have developed serious health conditions, including cancers and respiratory diseases, with over 140,000 enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.
- Medical experts emphasize the difficulty in proving direct causation between individual cancers and 9/11 exposure, but population studies confirm a higher incidence of disease linked to the disaster site.
- The legacy of 9/11 continues to affect thousands of families, as the health consequences unfold over decades, transforming the tragedy from a single day into a prolonged health crisis.
