As we mark 25 years since 9/11, it's become clear that the devastation wasn't limited to that day, or even to the first decade after the events.
Immediately after 9/11, the first wave of respiratory and mental health conditions appeared. By 10 years, the second wave, with chronic respiratory ailments, began to surface. We saw persistent coughs, debilitating asthma, and obstructive lung diseases alongside dozens of cancers. Mental health conditions persisted among many responders.
As of today, more than 8,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program have died from all causes. The program provides no-cost medical monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related physical and mental health conditions to eligible rescue workers, recovery volunteers, and survivors. Around 3,000 of these members were certified by the program for at least one WTC-related cancer, although their exact cause of death is unknown.
Now, while tens of thousands of survivors suffer with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic sinus inflammation, sleep apnea, and severe reflux that does not respond well to treatment, we are seeing a larger, more silent, and devastating third wave taking place.
