DEP public health advisory on air quality, Sep 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

in the Affected Area of the W Page 1 of 2 NYC DOH - Public Health Advisory Concerning Air Quality

New York City Department of Health Responds to the World Trade Center Disaster

Affected Public Health Advisory Concerning Air Quality in the Area of the World Trade Center Disaster

the City, State, and Federal agencies, is The NYC Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the World Trade Center disaster. closely monitoring and analyzing air quality data in the wake of smoke and dust have been released Following the collapse of the Twin Towers, significant quantities of other burning materials present at the into the air. The plume of smoke contained dust, ash, soot, and site. and throat irritation. Because dust will In general, dusts can cause respiratory symptoms and eye following the World Trade Center continue to remain in the air during the ensuing clean-up efforts encouraged to take precautions when disaster, residents in the vicinity of the World Trade Center are they return to their homes. Manhattan? What are the Recommendationsfor Residents Living in Lower particularly those who live the area Center - All residents in the immediate vicinity of the World Trade bounded by Warren Street to the North, Broadway to the East, the Hudson River to the West, and precautions when they return to Exchange and Thames Streets to the South - should take the following their homes:

. Avoid unnecessary outdoor strenuous activity; . Avoid sweeping or other outdoor maintenance; entering the home); . Keep dust from entering the home (e.g., remove shoes before . Keep windows closed; or change the filter frequently; . Set the air conditioner to recirculate air (closed vents), and clean

What should I do if I experience respiratory symptoms? with underlying respiratory Dust and other particulate matter have the greatest impact on persons and shortness of breath. Anyone conditions. Such individuals may experience chest tightness, wheezing, especially those with underlying respiratory who has difficulty breathing should consult their physicians, treatment with more frequent conditions. People with asthma may need to increase their usual medical necessary. use of bronchodilators, and should consult their physicians if

If I experience any eye irritation what should I do? irritated by dust. All persons should avoid Ocular saline solutions or tap water may be used to rinse eyes wearing contact lenses while in the affected area.

What are the health effects of asbestos? dust and ash, some of which Destruction of the World Trade Center buildings released large amounts of

10/11/01 http://www.nyc.gov/html/dohlhtml/alerts/wte l .html

NYC-WTC 000106111