Approximately half of 9/11 survivors developed cancer
25 years after the September 11, 2001 attacks, approximately half of the roughly 54,000 registered survivors have faced oncological diseases or undergone cancer treatment. This was reported by The Washington Post.
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Over the past five years, the number of World Trade Center Health Program participants receiving cancer-related assistance has more than tripled.
Researchers link the high incidence of diseases to toxic substances released into the air after the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The dust and smoke contained asbestos, benzene, and other carcinogenic substances. Fires at the disaster site continued for several more months.
In June 2021, approximately 9,000 program participants were receiving assistance for oncological diseases. By 2026, their number had grown to over 27,000.
Medical professionals warn that the number of diagnoses may continue to increase, as some types of cancer can manifest decades after exposure to carcinogens.
According to experts, the number of people who have already died from cancer and other long-term consequences of the 9/11 attacks has exceeded the 2,977 people who died directly on the day of the attacks. However, participants in the medical program may have lower cancer mortality rates due to regular medical examinations.