World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Launches 9/11 Health Effects Online Exhibition

May 31, 2022

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program proudly presents Health Effects of 9/11, a new online exhibition devoted to raising awareness about the ongoing health effects linked to 9/11 exposures. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the formal end of recovery operations at Ground Zero this week, this exhibit is dedicated to all people impacted by 9/11, including those who lost their lives that day, those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses, and those who continue to struggle with 9/11-related illness or injury.

The exhibition developed by the WTC Health Program in partnership with the David J. Sencer CDC Museum features information on 9/11 exposures and the emergence of World Trade Center-related health conditions, the events and advocacy that established the World Trade Center Health Program, and research achievements that have led to improvements in medical treatment and knowledge.

“I am proud to announce the launch of this online exhibition to honor the precious lives lost on 9/11 and those still struggling with chronic health conditions stemming from that tragic day,” said John Howard, M.D., administrator of the WTC Health Program. “The online exhibition offers a wide audience the opportunity to learn and reflect on the lingering effects of 9/11 through the moving visuals and firsthand stories of sacrifice and survival.”

Since 9/11, over 69,800 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions resulting from exposure to the dust, debris, and traumatic events of 9/11. More than 20 years later, as thousands suffer with chronic health conditions linked to 9/11 exposures, experts predict that the health effects from these attacks will continue for many decades to come. Today, the WTC Health Program serves over 117,000 members who reside in all 50 states and in almost every congressional district.

The exhibition features multi-media components such as videos, illustrations, and compelling images including photographs by renowned photographers Richard Wiesel and Earl Dotter. 9/11 responders and survivors actively participated in the development of the exhibition, sharing their stories, images, and experiences as 9/11 health advocates and World Trade Center Health Program members. Other organizations and advocacy groups also contributed to the development of the exhibition.

This is the first iteration of the exhibition; a physical installation is being planned for the CDC Museum at a future date.

A press release with additional information is available in the NIOSH Newsroom.