Key Takeaways

9/11 World Trade Center responders have a higher risk of lung cancer

Those most exposed to toxins at the site have a nearly tripled risk

Responders moderately exposed have an 86% increased risk

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 15, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Emergency responders to the World Trade Center collapse on 9/11 have a nearly tripled risk of lung cancer , a new study says.

The toxic dust and fumes that lingered over Ground Zero likely boosted lung cancer rates among rescue workers, researchers reported this month in JAMA Network Open .

“We discovered that responders with more severe exposures to WTC dust had up to 2.9 times greater risk of developing lung cancer compared to minimally exposed responders working on the pile who reported low dust exposure or used personal protec

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