The September 11, 2001 attacks released a cloud of toxic dust and smoke over Lower Manhattan that persisted for months. In the years since, thousands of responders, survivors, and residents have developed cancers linked to that exposure. Many of these illnesses qualify for medical care and compensation through federal programs, including the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program and the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). Our Victim Compensation Fund attorney is ready to assist with your claim.
What Was in the Air and Dust After the 9/11 Attacks?
When the Twin Towers collapsed, they pulverized concrete, glass, steel, and everything inside them into a fine, caustic dust that spread across the area and settled into homes and offices. Fires then burned for weeks, sending smoke and fumes into the air. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later identified this mixture as containing 287 chemicals or chemical groups, many of them known to cause cancer.
These substances include:
- Asbestos
- Crystalline silica
- Cement dust
- Glass fibers
- Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Polychlorinated biphenyls
- Dioxins
- Pesticides
Types of Cancers Related to 9/11 Toxic Exposure
People exposed to the 9/11 dust cloud breathed in and swallowed these materials, sometimes for months. As a result, many people later developed serious illnesses, including cancer. The WTC Health Program certifies more than 60 types of cancer as related to 9/11 exposure.
If you have been diagnosed with a cancer in one of the following categories, you may qualify for coverage and compensation:
- Blood and Lymphoid Tissue Cancers: These affect blood cells and the lymphatic system, which help the body fight infection. Examples include leukemia, lymphoma such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease, and multiple myeloma.
- Breast Cancer: This cancer forms in breast tissue and can affect both women and men. It is one of the most frequently certified 9/11-related cancers.
- Childhood Cancers: The program covers any cancer diagnosed in a person under 20 years of age. These cases often involve children exposed to the dust as students or young residents of Lower Manhattan.
- Digestive System Cancers: These develop in the organs that process food, including the colon, rectum, esophagus, stomach, and liver. Swallowed toxins and digestive tract irritation are linked to their development.
- Eye and Orbit Cancers: These affect the eye and the surrounding tissue. Though uncommon, they are often linked to the fine particles and debris that filled the air.
- Ovarian Cancer: This cancer begins in the ovaries and may spread throughout the body. It is often diagnosed at a later stage because early symptoms can be easy to miss.
- Head and Neck Cancers: These form in areas such as the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, and tonsils. Inhaled and swallowed carcinogens are associated with their development.
- Prostate Cancers: This is one of the most commonly certified cancers among male responders and survivors. It affects the prostate gland and, in some cases, can be aggressive.
- Mesothelioma: This rare, aggressive cancer is caused almost entirely by asbestos, which was widespread in the WTC dust. It usually affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen and can take decades to appear.
- Rare Cancers: Because so many toxins were released, rare cancers may qualify on a case-by-case basis. The program defines rare cancers as those that occur in fewer than 15 cases per 100,000 people each year.
- Respiratory System Cancers: These affect the lungs, bronchi, and airways, and are strongly linked to inhaling the toxic dust cloud.
- Skin Cancers: These include melanoma and non-melanoma types. Contact with the caustic dust and debris is associated with their development.
- Soft and Connective Tissue Cancers: These form in muscles, tendons, fat, and other connective tissues throughout the body. Sarcomas are one example included in this category.
- Thyroid Cancer: This cancer develops in the thyroid gland at the base of the neck and is often treatable when found early.
- Urinary System Cancers: These affect the kidneys, bladder, and related organs that remove waste from the body. Carcinogens filtered through these organs are linked to their development.
Who Is Most at Risk for Cancers Caused by Toxic Exposure During 9/11?
Anyone present in the NYC Exposure Zone during or after the attacks may be at risk of developing cancers caused by the toxic dust cloud. First responders, including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and cleanup crews, faced some of the heaviest exposure. Survivors are also at risk, including people who lived, worked, or attended school in the area, as well as volunteers who joined the recovery effort. Because many 9/11-related cancers take years or decades to develop, someone who feels healthy today can still develop symptoms later.
Getting Certified for Your Medical Care After a 9/11 Cancer Diagnosis
The WTC Health Program provides free medical monitoring and treatment to people whose illnesses are connected to 9/11 exposure. As of September 2026, more than 57,000 of its members have been certified for a 9/11-related cancer.
Certification is the program’s official determination that the toxic exposure was a substantial factor in causing your illness. It serves two purposes: it makes your treatment covered and provides the medical foundation for a claim with the VCF.
To qualify, you generally need to show that you were present in the NYC Exposure Zone during the eligible time period, whether as a responder, worker, resident, or student. Once you are enrolled, a program provider reviews your medical records and diagnosis. If your cancer meets the program’s criteria, a physician certifies it as related to your 9/11 exposure.
With your certification in hand, you can move forward with the VCF and file a claim for compensation. These deadlines can be strict and are typically tied to your certification date, so it helps to begin the process as early as possible.
Trust Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to Handle Your 9/11 Cancer Claim
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe it is linked to your 9/11 exposure, you do not have to navigate the claims process alone. At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, our attorneys handle enrollment, certification, and VCF filing from start to finish, documenting every loss so you can focus on your treatment and recovery. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.