Rescue, Recovery, and the Long-Term Health Impact of 9/11 Operations
In the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks, tens of thousands of men and women from across the nation and around the world responded and participated in the rescue, recovery, and relief operations in New York City; Arlington, Virginia; and Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was an unprecedented operation of removing two million tons of debris alongside fires that burned for over 100 days, leaving those who responded exposed to hazards and toxins that resulted in chronic illnesses and deaths of thousands. This dedicated space honors the ongoing sacrifice of rescue, recovery, and relief workers, and the survivors and members of the broader lower Manhattan community, who are sick or have died from exposure to hazards and toxins in the aftermath of 9/11.
Exposure to Hazards and Chronic Illnesses
Hundreds of thousands of people in New York City, at the Pentagon, and at the crash site in Shanksville, PA were exposed to dust, debris, and traumatic events, and physically and emotionally stressful conditions on and after September 11, 2001. Within a year of responding, many individuals saw their health begin a steep decline. For example, after responding to the World Trade Center on the morning of 9/11, paramedic Freddie Noboa aided in the rescue and recovery for more than two weeks. By 2008, Noboa believed he had "transformed from a healthy man to an old man," taking 23 different medications at any given time. Noboa created a protest sign filled with empty prescription bottles and used it while advocating at public rallies for the passage of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.
The WTC Health Program and Advocacy
Over time, the WTC Health Program was created to provide medical monitoring and treatment for WTC-related health conditions. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum recognizes their courage and selflessness, and honors their ongoing sacrifices. Each year, we commemorate those who have died due to 9/11-related illnesses and recognize the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community with a special ceremony. Through ongoing projects compiling short Q&As, we strive to represent the diversity and scope of the unprecedented efforts at the site of the attacks and the unending impact that has touched thousands of families and individuals.
Responders and Community Representatives
The following individuals represent the diversity of those who spent months on the pile or participated in the relief efforts:
| Name | Agency or Role |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Cascio | FDNY |
| Bram Gunther | NYC Parks Department |
| Rich Palmer | Department of Correction |
| Larry Provost | Army Reservist |
| Nancy Seliga | Port Authority of New York & New Jersey |
| Phil Alvarez | Suffolk County Police Department |
| Sal Annerino | Department of Sanitation |
| Dennis Diggins | Department of Sanitation |
| Bridget Gormley | Family Member |
| Rafe Greco | Laborers' International Union |
| Father Brian Jordan | Franciscan Priest |
| Charlie Kaczorowski | Department of Design & Construction |
| Dr. Kerry Kelly | FDNY |
| Lila Nordstrom | Activist |
| Anthony Palmieri | Department of Sanitation |
| John Paluska | Civilian Military |
| Philip Rizzo | Department of Correction |
| John Ryan | Port Authority Police Department |
| Bob Schnelle & Atlas | NYPD |
| Rob Serra | FDNY |
| Gary Smiley | FDNY |
| Dr. Alison Thompson | Civilian First Responder |
On May 30, 2002, the Last Column, draped in the American flag, was removed from Ground Zero in an honor guard procession to mark the end of the nine-month rescue, recovery, and relief efforts. Today, we continue to honor the courage and sacrifice of 9/11 rescue, recovery, and relief workers and recognize the spirit of survivors and members of the downtown community.