24 Years Later: 9/11 First Responders and Survivors Still Battle Health Conditions

Two decades after the September 11 terror attacks, hundreds of thousands of people continue to face serious health consequences from toxic exposures at Ground Zero and surrounding areas.

According to the CDC, approximately 400,000 people were exposed to hazardous substances during and in the months following the attacks. These exposures have resulted in a wide range of documented health conditions affecting first responders, survivors, and area residents.

The most commonly reported conditions include mental and behavioral health issues such as PTSD, depression, and substance abuse disorders. Respiratory problems like asthma and sleep apnea are also prevalent among those exposed.

However, cancer remains the most frequently reported health condition. Non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer top the list of diagnoses linked to 9/11 exposures.

"Over 50,000 cancers have been linked to exposures at Ground Zero, an increase of 143% over the past five years," said Dr. Jacqueline Moline, Director of Northwell Health's World Trade Center Health Program.

The World Trade Center Health Program provides medical monitoring and treatment for certified 9/11-related conditions, offering no-cost healthcare to eligible individuals who were exposed during the attacks and their aftermath.

Watch the full story to hear from first responders about their ongoing health battles and learn more about available resources.