Following the collapse of the Twin Towers, suffocating dust clouds of pulverized building materials and thick smoke enveloped lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Fires at Ground Zero burned into December, releasing more toxins into surrounding areas.
Hundreds of thousands of people inhaled contaminated air as they ran to safety, rushed to help, or took part in the nine-month rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations. Those who later returned to lower Manhattan came into contact with toxic dust. While the risk diminished over time, thousands exposed during those early months have died or become ill.
This health crisis stirred the 9/11 community to action. Through lobbying efforts, 9/11 advocates secured congressional funding for immediate and long-term medical monitoring as well as research and treatment programs.
The Museum actively collects objects related to the ongoing health effects of 9/11 and the fight for legal remedies for injuries, treatment expenses, and loss of work. Explore some of those objects here.
