Photographs taken in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks capture the intense devastation at Ground Zero, where first responders worked through weeks of debris and hazardous dust. Photographer Ringo Chiu documented the rescue efforts and the profound personal impact of the tragedy on New York City. The fires at Ground Zero burned for months, releasing harmful toxins into the air that affected many who were exposed. Harold Delancey, a former NYPD officer, was working in Lower Manhattan on 9/11 when the attacks occurred. He described the day as one of shock and darkness as the twin towers collapsed. Delancey worked in morgues identifying victims and later developed respiratory illnesses and cancers linked to the toxic dust. He said he does not see himself as a hero, noting that it was his duty and something he would do again if needed. Twenty-five years after the attacks, the effects of 9/11 continue to be felt. Michael Barasch, founder of Barasch & McGarry, a law firm representing 9/11 victims, said over 52,000 people have been certified with 9/11-related cancer, and more than 9,000 people have died from pulmonary illnesses and cancers linked to the attacks. He emphasized that the consequences of 9/11 extend far beyond the day itself, affecting the health and lives of many for years to come. Frances Caulfield, a former worker at the New York City Board of Education, returned to work shortly after the attacks but began experiencing health issues in the late 2000s. She was eventually diagnosed with breast cancer and chronic skin cancer. She relocated to New Jersey and later connected her illnesses to exposure to toxic fumes from Ground Zero. Dana Cohen, a senior partner at Barasch & McGarry, described the immediate effects of the toxic environment, including burning noses and eyes. She and Michael Barasch worked to file claims for first responders who became ill but faced challenges with the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which only provided compensation for those who died or were injured on 9/11. They highlighted the lack of support for those who developed illnesses after exposure to toxins. The government initially assured the public that the air was safe, leading to the return of office workers, students, and residents to Lower Manhattan within weeks of the attacks. However, it took years for officials to link the exposure to various health conditions. Victims like Macy Borders, known as the "dust lady," who was covered in debris after escaping the North Tower, later died of stomach cancer believed to be caused by the toxic dust.