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9/11 EMT's Windpipe Collapse After Toxic Exposure
10 Sep
Summary
- Volunteer EMT developed tracheobronchomalacia from toxic Ground Zero air.
- Exposure led to worsening asthma, respiratory infections, and hospitalizations.
- Underwent major surgery in 2024 to repair weakened windpipe structures.
A volunteer EMT, Mordechai Shedrowitzky, is experiencing severe long-term health issues stemming from his exposure to toxic dust at Ground Zero in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Shedrowitzky, who was helping with the response efforts that evening, described the overwhelming debris and dust his ambulance encountered.
Years after the event, his pre-existing asthma significantly worsened, leading to frequent respiratory infections and hospitalizations. This progression culminated in a diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia, a condition where the airways weaken and collapse. His condition was eventually classified as 9/11-related by the World Trade Center Health Program.
In 2024, Shedrowitzky underwent a tracheobronchoplasty to reinforce his trachea and main bronchi. He reports feeling much better post-surgery, though occasional infections persist. The long-term effects of the toxic exposure continue to impact responders, with the WTC Health Program providing ongoing care and monitoring for over 130,000 members.
