Firefighters’ Union Outraged Over Discovery of Hidden 9/11 Health Data

New York City’s firefighter union is expressing profound anger following the unexpected discovery of 68 boxes containing Ground Zero health data from the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. These critical documents, which the union was previously told did not exist, contain thousands of pages detailing potential toxins present at the Lower Manhattan site. Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY United Firefighters Association, voiced the union’s frustration during a press conference, stating, “They should have used that evidence and those tests to prepare for the long-term health care of the people that were down there. The decision they made was to just hide it.” This discovery comes 24 years after the attacks, during which time countless first responders have fallen ill and died from exposure-related illnesses. The union hopes these documents will provide evidence to support adding new diseases to the World Trade Center health registry, potentially extending coverage and care to more affected individuals.

The impact of 9/11 on New York’s first responders has been devastating and ongoing. Initially, 343 FDNY firefighters lost their lives at the World Trade Center on that fateful day. In the years since, approximately 400 more have died from health complications related to their exposure at Ground Zero. The newly discovered boxes may contain crucial information about the toxic substances present during the rescue and recovery operations—information that could have informed better healthcare decisions for those exposed. Despite the city releasing only 24 of the 68 boxes thus far, the union sees this as a significant, if belated, development in their long struggle for transparency. The FDNY and advocates representing other first responders have been fighting for years to access comprehensive data on the toxic conditions at the site, which could benefit the approximately 140,000 officials and residents now enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program.

When the Twin Towers collapsed, they released asbestos and numerous other harmful chemicals into the air throughout Lower Manhattan. Despite government officials initially claiming there were no health concerns, subsequent years revealed the devastating truth as first responders and local residents began developing serious illnesses. Thomas McManus, General Counsel for the fire union who represents thousands of victims, described the document discovery as “bittersweet,” explaining, “It’s bittersweet because we finally have the first semblance of transparency from the city. We finally will begin to know what they knew. But it’s bittersweet, because it took 24 years, because it took litigation, FOIL requests, and it took the Department of Investigation, through the efforts of Gail Brewer, to compel the city to find these documents.” Indeed, it was only after persistent pressure from City Councilwoman Gale Brewer, a long-time advocate for 9/11 first responders, that the Department of Investigation finally uncovered these records that had been kept hidden for over two decades.

For many in the union, this situation is deeply personal. Ansbro, whose father was a first responder who died nearly three years ago from exposure to Ground Zero chemicals, emphasized the importance of accountability and truth for all 9/11 families. “My family needs to know that the people that lied to everyone else – again, my father was exposed from day one, but everyone else that was exposed, they need to know,” the UFA president stated. “Their families need to know who lied to them.” The discovery raises serious questions about why critical health information was withheld from those who needed it most, potentially delaying appropriate medical care and recognition of 9/11-related illnesses. For many families who have lost loved ones to conditions that developed years after their service at Ground Zero, these documents could provide long-sought answers about what officials knew about the health risks and when they knew it.

The discovery comes against the backdrop of ongoing litigation between the city and first responders. City Hall officials declined to comment specifically on the documents due to this pending litigation, but released a statement emphasizing Mayor Eric Adams’ commitment to 9/11 victims and their families. “As one of the many first responders at Ground Zero on 9/11 and in the weeks that followed, Mayor Adams has been unwavering in his commitment to ensuring victims, their families, first responders, and survivors receive the care and services they deserve,” the statement read. City officials also noted that they have begun turning over documents to the plaintiffs’ counsel and are working on a schedule to continue this process. Mayor Adams, a former NYPD captain himself, has personal connections to the first responder community, adding another layer of significance to how his administration handles this newly discovered information.

The revelation of these hidden health documents represents both a breakthrough and a painful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and transparency for 9/11 first responders. For nearly two and a half decades, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and others who participated in rescue and recovery efforts have fought for recognition of their illnesses and proper healthcare coverage. The World Trade Center Health Program has gradually expanded its list of covered conditions as more evidence has emerged linking various diseases to Ground Zero exposure. However, many first responders continue to develop new conditions that aren’t yet officially recognized, forcing them into bureaucratic and legal battles while already facing serious health challenges. The contents of these 68 boxes may finally provide the scientific evidence needed to expand coverage and ensure that those who sacrificed their health in service to their city and country receive the care and recognition they deserve. As the documents are examined in the coming months, the firefighters’ union and other advocates hope they will finally bring long-delayed answers and accountability for one of the most consequential public health cover-ups in New York City’s history.