Science

Program data shows rising 9/11 health conditions 25 years after attacks

Over 9,400 people have died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.

Updated Sep 11, 2026 · 10:34 UTC2 reports

The short version

The World Trade Center Health Program has documented more than 139,000 health conditions among over 150,000 responders and survivors.[Scientific American]
An estimated 400,000 individuals encountered toxic dust, debris, physical risks, and stress after the September 11 attacks.[ABC News]
More than 9,400 related deaths have been recorded, alongside certified diagnoses across at least 69 varieties of cancer.[ABC News]
The New York City mayor's office recently agreed to release documents suggesting the city potentially downplayed air quality risks after the disaster.[Scientific American]

Data from the World Trade Center Health Program indicates that more than 9,400 individuals have died from 9/11-related illnesses.[ABC News]
Roughly 400,000 people were exposed to toxic dust, smoke, debris, and stressful conditions following the 2001 attacks.[ABC News · Scientific American]
As of June 30, 2026, the World Trade Center Health Program documented over 139,000 health conditions among more than 150,000 survivors and first responders.[Scientific American]
The World Trade Center Health Program has certified at least 69 forms of cancer as linked to 9/11 exposure.[ABC News]
The New York City mayor's office agreed to disclose records suggesting municipal officials may have downplayed post-attack air quality hazards.[Scientific American]

The full extent to which municipal officials downplayed air quality risks remains subject to examination as newly agreed-upon document disclosures are reviewed.[Scientific American]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.