When the alerts sounded on September 11, 2001, my first priority was ensuring my children’s safety. Then, I headed to Bellevue Hospital—my anchor during that chaotic time. I assisted in evacuating the hospital where I had trained, directing patients to other facilities in anticipation of those who would come from the World Trade Center. But we waited for hours, and alas, the survivors didn’t arrive.
A few days after the attacks, I went to the disaster site. Upon my arrival, I was given an N95 mask and began navigating through the debris, acutely aware that I was surrounded by hazardous materials and fumes. It was a sunny day, yet the air felt laden with something unsettling.
Now, with all due respect to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who claims the public was deceived and has released extensive documents to support allegations of a cover-up, my response is straightforward.
We knew.
We understood there were significant health risks.
We were aware of the molten debris and toxins. The dangers posed by the terror attacks would have repercussions for years to come, affecting not just the first responders—those brave souls who risked everything—even those who lived nearby in New York City neighborhoods.
Throughout the years, I’ve treated many individuals who suffered health impacts from direct exposure, ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to asthma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various cancers. Many patients, simply residents of the area, worried that their symptoms might be linked to their exposure.
I’ve collaborated with the effective World Trade Center Health Program, which has provided vital monitoring through CT scans and other screening methods.
It has become increasingly evident that there is a direct correlation between rising cancer rates and the toxins released that day. The Northwell WTC Health Program has reported that around 57,000 cancer cases are associated with 9/11 debris, with a staggering 75% increase from 2023 to 2025. In just five years, lung cancer cases have doubled, and other common types include skin, prostate, breast, and thyroid cancers, along with lymphomas.
Monitoring continues, and the trends are alarming. More than 9,000 individuals have died due to health issues related to 9/11, which far exceeds the number of casualties from the attacks.
As I’ve mentioned before, the impact of 9/11 left an indelible mark on the American psyche. While in some respects, New Yorkers have grown stronger, there’s also an underlying fear that lingers. The physical and emotional scars from that day persist.
We were aware of these risks, yet the full extent of their impact far exceeded anyone’s initial understanding, be it patients, doctors, or public health officials.
How could we have anticipated this? Well, we could only predict, screen, and treat.
