NYC officials to release files on ground zero air quality after 9/11

Graphic Warning: This story contains graphic images or video that may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — Just days before the country marks 25 years since the Sep. 11 attack on the World Trade Center, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the release of documents that detail the air quality issues at ground zero. The mayor's announcement on Tuesday came alongside host and commentator Jon Stewart and 9/11 activists. It marks the first time that more than 170,000 documents related to the air quality at ground zero will be released to the public. 'As the years pass and the human toll grows, we reckon with the cost of Sep. 11 whenever another New Yorker is stolen from us too soon,' said Mamdani during the announcement. 'Now close 25 years later more people have died from 9/11 related illnesses than were killed on the day itself.' Among the documents to be released are the Harding memo, boxes from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and information about 7 World Trade Center. They are expected to detail what the city knew about the toxic air around ground zero, when they knew it and how they acted to limit liability, said Mamdani. The pages released on Tuesday are the first among more to come over the next 12 months and will be made available for free online. Earlier this year, NewsNation local affiliate WPIX reported on the files that were stored in 68 boxes at a city office. Sources at City Hall say the files confirm New Yorkers were led to believe the air near ground zero was safe, despite samples from as far as half a mile away indicating evidence of asbestos at the location. The announcement comes as those who took part in the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the attacks are still battling health issues 25 years later, including first responder turned advocate John Feal, who will present alongside the mayor. 'It would be one thing if government had stood alongside survivors and provided them with everything they needed at every step of the way and yet we know that could not be further from what actually happened,' said Mamdani. 'People got sick because the leaders they trusted lied and told them they were safe to breathe in toxic air.'