Ground Zero first responder needed major surgery decades after 9/11 exposure: ‘I thought it was over’
As a father of six, Shedrowitzky – who is now also a grandfather of two – said his condition made it difficult for him to spend time with his children as they were growing up.
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“Things as simple as lifting my children, even speaking to them,” he said. “The amount of time that I spent in the hospital and its effect on them was quite significant.”
“Now, they’re older, but my ability to spend time, interact with them … has been greatly improved.”
Treating 9/11-related illnesses
Dr. Denise Harrison, medical director of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence, has been involved in post-9/11 healthcare since 2002.
The program has since grown to provide screening, monitoring and treatment for people experiencing health effects related to their 9/11 exposure.
The doctor noted that the dust on 9/11 was “highly alkaline,” which can be “very irritating” to the airways.
People rush away from the collapsing World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, after two hijacked airplanes hit the twin towers in New York City in a terrorist attack. (Getty Images)
“Usually, the larger size dust gets deposited in the upper airways and the smaller size dust gets deposited in the lower airways,” she told Fox News Digital. “Because of the overwhelming nature of the disaster, a significant number of large particles got deposited into the lower airways as well. So, this is not just the airways, but also the digestive tract, in the esophagus.”
Harrison said patients often report sinus problems, asthma and COPD. These conditions can occur alongside other “aerodigestive” issues, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, which may complicate diagnosis and treatment.
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Other 9/11-related conditions may also be interlinked.
“We have patients with asthma and PTSD who might perceive their asthma symptoms differently than the patients without PTSD, so that requires a combination of providers,” the doctor said.
The dust on 9/11 was “highly alkaline,” which can be “very irritating” to the airways, the doctor noted. (iStock)
Shedrowitzky urged other first responders who are experiencing health issues to not wait to get help and to confirm that what they’re experiencing may be linked to 9/11.
“Continue to be monitored so that potential issues can be picked up early,” he advised.
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“If we can look back and see the quality of life that it’s robbing you of, it might push you to contact the World Trade Center Health Program, get the help that you need.”
NYU Langone’s WTC Health Program 9/11 exhibit is on display. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
As of March 31, 2025, the WTC Health Program had more than 130,000 currently enrolled members.
The program, which is authorized through 2090, operates branches across multiple health systems, including NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai, Northwell, Stony Brook and Rutgers.
Harrison reiterated that the health effects of 9/11 exposure remain “persistent,” and can be exacerbated by the environment and other illnesses. Experts predict that the fallout will continue for decades to come.
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“Symptoms are still ongoing and research is still ongoing,” she said, urging the public and responders to “have patience.”
“While it might not directly benefit them or may provide some benefits now, it could be more beneficial in the future and help the overall response to disasters.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/ground-zero-first-responder-needed-major-surgery-decades-after-9-11-exposure-i-thought-over