NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
07/19/2002 10:27 FAX 2126197476 Tenants&Neighbrs 1104
105 Washington —Tenants and Neighbors
(f/cm2). Asbestos is a human carcinogen and exposure occurs when the fibers are iahalod
into the lungs. The presence of elevated levels of asbestos dust on surfaces may result in
airborne fibers if the dust is disturbed.
The State of New York has recommended an airborne exposure limit of 0.01 fibers per
cubic centimeter, however, exposure to any carcinogen should be maintained to a level as
low as reasonable achievable. The method used in this study does not provide
information on the level of airborne exposure, but instead provides an assessment of the
level of asbestos settled onto surfaces. It does provide information on the pots for
exposure should contaminated dust become airborne.
Findings
A visual inspection revealed the offices to be in generally good condition, although the
carpet appeared worn.
Dust sample results
Three microvac dust sample and blank were collected to determine levels of asbestos
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dust in the carpets_ The lab report from IATL is attached to this report. The following
summarizes the findings:
Sample # C758824 — This was the field blank and serves as a quality control sample to
verify that handling and shipping the samples was not a source of contamination. The
sample had no detectable levels of asbestos.
Sample # C758832 — This sample was taken in the back office labeled Youth Organises
Office. The sample was taken from the carpeted floor near the back exit door. The sample
had 9,300 asbestos fibers per square centimeter of floor surface. This is indicative of
asbestos contamination of the carpet.
Sample # C758953 — This sample was taken at the reception desk at the entrance to the
Tenants and Neighbors office. The sample had no detectable asbestos.
Sample # 1508699 — This sample had low levels of asbestos on it. It was taken near the
windows on the east side of the office by the water cooler. The sample had 740 asbestos
fibers per square centimeter. This is a low level of asbestos and is below the detection
limit of the method of 1000 structures per square centimeter.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The results indicate that the levels of asbestos fibers in the carpeting in some areas were
elevated. This survey indicates that the collapse of the trade center caused the release of
asbestos fibers, which contaminated the interior surfaces of the office. The cleaning of
the building has not adequately reduced the level of asbestos in the settled dust. The
carpet should be cleaned using a HEPA filter equipped vacuum cleaner. A profession4l
cleaning company should also clean the carpets again using hot water extraction methods.
The exterior of the windows should be cleaned.
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NYC-WTC 000096161
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