10/16/2026
On September 11, 2001, the collapse of the World Trade Center's South Tower at 9:59 a.m. and the North Tower at 10:28 a.m. unleashed enormous clouds of dust and debris that swept through Lower Manhattan within seconds. As the towers fell, millions of tons of concrete, glass, steel, and building materials were pulverized into a dense gray cloud that raced through the streets, engulfing firefighters, police officers, office workers, and civilians trying to escape. Many survivors recalled being unable to see even a few feet in front of them as the dust turned daylight into darkness.
The dust contained a hazardous mixture of pulverized concrete, glass fibers, asbestos, heavy metals, and other toxic substances released by the collapse and fires. In the years that followed, thousands of survivors, first responders, and recovery workers developed chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and other serious illnesses linked to their exposure. More than two decades later, the World Trade Center Health Program continues to monitor and treat those affected, making the dust cloud one of the longest-lasting health consequences of the September 11 attacks.
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