Posted on October 27, 2026

If you lived, worked, attended school or daycare, or helped with cleanup in Lower Manhattan or nearby Brooklyn after September 11, 2001, your exposure history may still matter to your wellness today.

Twenty-five years after the World Trade Center attacks, the long-term health consequences of exposure to toxic dust and debris continue to emerge.

The collapse of the Twin Towers released a hazardous mixture of asbestos, concrete dust, glass fibers, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. Exposure was not limited to first responders. Residents, office workers, students, teachers, sanitation workers, volunteers, and cleanup workers were also potentially exposed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 400,000 people were potentially exposed to toxic contaminants or other hazards associated with the attacks and their aftermath.

Many people who were children in 2001 are now adults who may not realize that their early exposure history could be relevant to their health today.

Why Does This Matter Today?

Some asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, can take 20 to 50 years or potentially even longer to develop. Other conditions associated with World Trade Center exposures, including respiratory illnesses and certain cancers, may emerge years or decades after exposure as well.

Exposure does not mean you will develop a disease. However, understanding your exposure history can help inform medical decisions, identify potential health concerns, and support appropriate follow-up care.

Four Simple Steps You Can Take

  1. Remember where you were. Did you live, work, attend school or daycare, or spend time in Lower Manhattan or nearby Brooklyn during or after September 11, 2001? Your location and dates may be important.
  2. Talk with your doctor. Share your potential 9/11 exposure history and ask that it be documented in your medical record. Discuss any persistent symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, sinus problems, acid reflux, sleep disturbances, anxiety, or depression. It is important to note that these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a 9/11-related illness but are helpful for your medical team regardless.
  3. Keep your records. Write down addresses, dates, employers, schools, or daycare locations. Preserve any available records that may help document where you were and when.
  4. Explore federal health and compensation programs. Two federal programs provide important resources for eligible individuals:
    • World Trade Center Health Program: Provides medical monitoring, initial health evaluations, and treatment for eligible individuals, subject to program requirements. Covered services are provided without out-of-pocket costs.
    • September 11th Victim Compensation Fund: Provides financial compensation for individuals with qualifying 9/11-related physical health conditions who meet the Fund’s eligibility requirements.

The two programs have different eligibility areas, dates, and requirements. Eligibility for one does not automatically establish eligibility for the other.

Importantly, applying is free. You do not need an attorney to apply to either federal program. The choice to seek legal assistance is yours.

Awareness Today Can Protect Health Tomorrow

At the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), we believe everyone deserves access to accurate information about potential exposure, long-term health risks, and available federal resources.

If you or someone you love was in Lower Manhattan or nearby Brooklyn during or after 9/11, take a moment to learn more.

Visit ADAO’s 9/11 Resource Hub to explore eligibility maps, real-world examples, and links to official federal health and compensation programs.

Were you there? Do you know someone who was?

Share this information with family members, former coworkers, classmates, teachers, and friends. A simple conversation could help someone recognize a previously overlooked exposure history and learn about available resources.

With Gratitude to 9/11 Health Watch

ADAO extends its sincere appreciation to 9/11 Health Watch for its decades of advocacy, leadership, and commitment to the health and well-being of the 9/11 community.

Its continued efforts to protect access to health care, strengthen federal programs, and advance transparency and accountability have made a lasting difference for responders, survivors, and families.

Together, we remain committed to ensuring that no one affected by the toxic exposures of 9/11 is forgotten.

Learn More

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Program eligibility is determined by the respective federal agencies.