Dr. Marc Siegel, an emergency‑medicine physician who was on the front lines at Bellevue Hospital on September 11, 2001, says the health fallout from the attacks is still worsening. He recalls rushing to the World Trade Center site, receiving an N95 mask, and witnessing a thin film of toxic dust hanging over the rubble.
Long‑Term Health Risks Confirmed
Siegel points to the World Trade Center Health Program, a federal initiative that provides monitoring and screening for those exposed to the disaster’s toxic debris. “The program has helped us track cancers and other conditions with regular CT scans and other tools,” he notes.
Recent data from the Northwell‑run WTC Health Program shows a stark increase in cancer diagnoses. The agency reports that 57,000 cancer cases have been linked to the September 11 toxins, with a 75% rise in cases between 2023 and 2025 alone. Lung cancer rates have doubled in just five years, and the most common cancers among survivors include skin, prostate, breast, thyroid, and various lymphomas.
Deaths and Ongoing Monitoring
More than 9,000 people have now died from health‑related effects of the attacks—far exceeding the death toll from the attacks themselves. Siegel emphasizes that the tragedy’s psychological impact remains profound, noting that many New Yorkers still live with heightened fear and anxiety.
He adds that the medical community continues to predict, screen, and treat these conditions, but the scale of the problem is larger than anyone anticipated in 2001. “We knew there were serious health risks, but the extent of the impact was far greater than anyone realized at the time,” Siegel says.
Calls for Continued Support
Siegel urges policymakers to maintain robust funding for the WTC Health Program and to keep the public informed about the ongoing risks. He also cautions against attempts to downplay the data, reminding readers that the evidence comes from well‑designed, government‑run studies.
While New York City Mayor Eric Adams (not Zohran Mamdani) has recently released thousands of documents related to the attacks, Siegel stresses that transparency alone does not address the medical crisis. “We need action, not just paperwork,” he asserts.
What Families Can Do
For families who lived in the surrounding neighborhoods or who are first responders, Siegel recommends enrolling in the health program, staying current with screenings, and seeking specialist care if symptoms such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or chronic fatigue appear.
He concludes, “The American spirit endured that day, and it will endure the health challenges that followed. But we must honor the sacrifice of those who served by ensuring they receive the care they deserve.”
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
