First Responder Deaths from 9/11-Related Illnesses Nearly Equal Number of Firefighters Who Died That Day

September 11, 2023: The number of first responders who have died from illnesses related to their work at the World Trade Center site has nearly reached the number of firefighters who died on 9/11.

According to the World Trade Center Health Registry, 2,977 first responders have died from 9/11-related illnesses as of March 8, 2023. This is just 23 shy of the 3,000 firefighters who died on 9/11.

The most common 9/11-related illnesses are respiratory diseases like cancer and asthma. These illnesses are caused by exposure to the dust and fumes released when the Twin Towers collapsed.

The 9/11 Health Registry is a program that tracks the health of first responders and survivors of the attacks. The registry has found that first responders are more likely to develop 9/11-related illnesses than survivors.

The number of first responder deaths from 9/11-related illnesses will continue to rise in the coming years. This is because the latency period for some 9/11-related illnesses can be decades.

Here are some actional and practical takeaways from the article:

The number of first responder deaths from 9/11-related illnesses is nearly equal to the number of firefighters who died on 9/11.
The most common 9/11-related illnesses are respiratory diseases like cancer and asthma.
First responders are more likely to develop 9/11-related illnesses than survivors.
The number of first responder deaths from 9/11-related illnesses is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.

Here are some ways to help:

Donate to organizations that support first responders and survivors of 9/11.
Volunteer your time to help first responders and survivors.
Spread awareness about the dangers of 9/11-related illnesses.

We must never forget the sacrifices made by the first responders who risked their lives to save others on 9/11. We must also do everything we can to support them and their families as they battle these attacks’ health effects.