Palmer has seen the damage COVID can cause in someone with 9/11-related illnesses. Palmer said a friend who was part of the NYPD Emergency Services Unit is still recovering after his battle with COVID-19 that landed him on a ventilator. “Don’t you think these guys have been through enough already?” Palmer said. “All we do is fight for something we shouldn’t have to fight for.” 9/11 illnesses up COVID risk factors Cancer and respiratory ailments are the most common illnesses among the 9/11 community, which includes first responders who were part of the rescue and recovery missions involving the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The community at risk for illness from toxic exposure also includes the office workers, students and residents who were in Lower Manhattan that day and in the weeks after.