U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan reaches completion
U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan completed, ending post-9/11 military engagement.
Event / Security
9/11 Health Crisis
Long-term health consequences affecting first responders, workers, and civilians exposed to toxic dust and debris from the September 11 attacks, including cancer diagnoses, respiratory diseases, and compensation efforts through the James Zadroga Act.
2 reported locations
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25 articles0 articles
2026-09-04 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 27 Aug, 04:04 UTC
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What happened
FDNY firefighter Michael O'Connell diagnosed with sarcoidosis linked to ground zero
FDNY firefighter Michael O'Connell, who responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a multi-system inflammatory disease affecting lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Doctors linked his diagnosis to his exposure to toxins at ground zero. O'Connell was forced to retire as a lieutenant in 2010 due to flare-ups.
John Feal denied compensation from first 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund
John Feal was denied compensation from the first 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund created by Congress because his injury on September 17, 2001 occurred outside the 96-hour window of eligibility for rescue workers. His injury occurred approximately 123 hours after the attack.
9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund awarded over $18.56 billion to 77,000 claimants
The 9/11 Victims' Compensation Fund has received more than 112,000 claims and awarded more than $18.56 billion to over 77,000 claimants since reopening in 2011.
Approximately 50,000 cancer diagnoses certified in 9/11 community
Data from the World Trade Center Health Program shows about 50,000 cancer diagnoses have been certified among people affected by 9/11 exposure.
Demolition supervisor John Feal injured at ground zero, partially amputated
Demolition supervisor John Feal was injured at ground zero on September 17, 2001, when a falling piece of steel landed on his left foot. He developed gangrene, then sepsis, and required partial amputation of his foot.
Twin Towers collapse created massive dust cloud with harmful particles
The collapse of the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan led to a massive dust cloud that blanketed city blocks with ash, debris, metal, glass, asbestos, benzene and other harmful particles. Fires within the debris pile burned through the end of December 2001 with flare-ups in 2002.
October 2001 memo shows NYC knew of air quality dangers at ground zero
The "Harding Memo," an October 2001 internal memo from then-Deputy Mayor Robert Harding, indicated the city knew of air quality dangers and potential legal liability at ground zero, despite publicly declaring the air was safe.
NYPD sergeant Thomas Wilson diagnosed with aggressive neck cancer
NYPD sergeant Thomas Wilson, who responded to ground zero on September 11, was diagnosed with aggressive neck cancer that spread to his tongue and skeletal muscle. He underwent a hemiglossectomy removing part of his tongue, neck dissection removing 39 lymph nodes, skin graft from wrist, and artery implant from arm. He continues to take thyroid medication, attend swallow therapy, and use an oxygen machine for severe asthma.
NYC released more than 170,000 pages of 9/11-related documents
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that more than 170,000 pages related to the 9/11 attacks were being made public, including documents about air quality at ground zero.
FDNY firefighter William Gormley died from cancer linked to ground zero
FDNY firefighter William Gormley, who responded to ground zero, developed persistent cough and skin cancer following his time at the site. In December 2016, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer that spread to his lungs. He died in June 2017.
At least 69 cancers certified as linked to 9/11 exposure
At least 69 types of cancer including breast, prostate, skin and head and neck cancers have been certified as linked to 9/11. Additionally, airway and digestive disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and mental health conditions have been certified as related to exposure, according to the WTC Health Program.
EPA told public air around ground zero was safe to breathe
The Environmental Protection Agency told the public at the time that the air around ground zero was safe to breathe. In a 2016 interview, EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman apologized for "whatever we got wrong" but denied knowingly lying about air quality.
James Zadroga Act reauthorized in December 2015
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act passed in December 2015, extending medical benefits to affected individuals until 2090.
James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act passed in 2010
The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 was passed to provide health monitoring and aid to first responders, volunteers and survivors of the attacks. This legislation also led to the establishment of the World Trade Center Health Program.
Civilian Barbara Mohan diagnosed with lymphoma linked to 9/11 exposure
Barbara Mohan, office administrator and paralegal working two blocks from the World Trade Center since 1996, was diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2016. Colleagues at her firm believed her cancer was linked to 9/11 exposure.
More than 9,400 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses
More than 9,400 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses according to recently published data from the World Trade Center Health Program. This figure is three times higher than the 2,977 people who died in the attacks themselves in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Approximately 400,000 people exposed to toxic dust and debris from 9/11
An estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic dust, smoke and debris from the World Trade Center collapse, as well as risk of physical injury and physically and emotionally stressful conditions, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.
NYPD officer James Zadroga died from respiratory disease in 2006
James Zadroga, an NYPD officer who responded to recovery efforts at ground zero, died in 2006 of a respiratory disease. Two separate autopsies linked his death to inhaling toxic substances at ground zero. He was the first NYPD officer whose death was attributed to exposure at the site.
FDNY EMT Ivonne Sanchez diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer
Former FDNY emergency medical technician Ivonne Sanchez, who worked at ground zero for recovery efforts, developed chronic sinusitis and asthma after 9/11. In 2014 in her early 40s, she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer that spread to lymph nodes. She underwent lumpectomy in August 2014 and mastectomy in December 2014. Her cancer is in remission but she has developed gastrointestinal problems from stomach ulcers.
9/11 Memorial & Museum adding seventh moment of silence in 2026 ceremony
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum announced it will add a seventh moment of silence and bell toll at the 2026 25th commemoration ceremony to honor those who have died of illnesses related to their time at or near the World Trade Center site. Previously there have been six moments of silence.
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2 alternative perspectives
No major terrorist attack matched 9/11 scale in following decades
No attack of 9/11's magnitude has struck the U.S. in 25 years despite ongoing security threats.
NYC releases 170,000 pages of 9/11 documents as 25th anniversary approaches
NYC released 170,000 pages of 9/11 documents as the 25th anniversary approaches with expanded memorial ceremonies.
Attacks killed nearly 3,000 across coordinated strikes on American targets
Two planes struck the World Trade Center towers, killing nearly 3,000 across coordinated September 11 attacks.
Thousands dead, millions exposed: the 9/11 health crisis unfolds
More than 9,400 deaths and 50,000 cancer diagnoses linked to 9/11 exposure; $18.56 billion awarded in compensation.
25 years later: commemorating milestones of resilience and change
25th anniversary ceremonies included first Muslim mayor at Ground Zero and recognition of exposure-related deaths.
How 9/11 reshaped U.S. government and global military strategy
9/11 triggered creation of DHS, war in Afghanistan, and eventual killing of bin Laden in Pakistan.
Over 1,100 memorials across nation honor September 11 victims
Over 1,100 memorials nationwide honor September 11 victims through physical spaces and annual tributes.
Survivors and first responders confront September 11's human toll
Survivors and first responders faced devastating casualties; Flight 93 passengers resisted hijackers.
Saudi Crown Prince denies 9/11 involvement during White House visit
Saudi Crown Prince denies 9/11 involvement at White House as families pursue declassification of Saudi records.
Families, Congress push for declassification of Saudi 9/11 records
Families and Congress seek declassification of Saudi 9/11 records as litigation continues.
A quarter century on, 100 million Americans have no memory of 9/11
100 million Americans lack direct memory of 9/11, making institutional remembrance essential to generational transmission.