Decades after 9/11, toxic dust and PTSD may be accelerating brain aging among first responders

From intense psychological trauma to exposure to neurotoxic dust, first responders at ground zero continue to confront significant physical and mental health risks.

By: Roberto Lucchini, Florida International University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 2, 2026

Words: 1,089

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Body Text Preview

By Roberto Lucchini, Florida International University

Hundreds of first responders have told me they remember exactly how they felt during the World Trade Center attacks, even 25 years on.

They tell me that they remember not being able to think, see or smell anything. They could focus only on digging and pulling debris out of the way. They could not rest because those trapped beneath the rubble could not wait. Death was all around them, and …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

About

FAQ

Email Us