EPA-OSHA fact sheet on ground zero contaminants, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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1 samples do provide important information about potential exposure. Asbestos was •; J used as a fire-proofing material in a portion of one of the World Trade Center towers.

Oioxln: EPA took samples at four stations on Sept. 16 and analyzed them for dioxin. Levels were at or just above EPA's standard for action based upon an assumption of a continuous 30-year exposure. EPA is monitoring closely, but sees no cause for concern by workers or the public based upon short-term exposure to these levels. EPA and OSHA recommend that workers at the site use respirators they have been provided, which will protect them from exposure to dioxins.

Metals: OSHA has taken 53 samples of metals such as lead, iron oxide, zinc oxide, copper and beryllium. None of the levels found for these metals have exceeded OSHA limits.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): EPA and OSHA have closely monitored levels of VOCs in the plume of smoke coming from the site, mainly to assist response workers in determining the appropriate level of respiratory protection. Four samples exceeded the OSHA standard of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for an eight-hour day, but did not approach a level of immediate concern to workers. The sample taken September 22 had a level of 3.2 ppm. One sample taken on September 26 had a level of 11 ppm, which fell to 2.6 ppm on September 29. The sample taken September 30 found 5.1 ppm. EPA and OSHA are continuing to monitor these emissions closely, but expect them to decrease significantly as the remaining fires under the debris pile are extinguished.

Carbon Monoxide: OSHA has taken nine personal samples of carbon monoxide for workers on the debris pile; results range from 1 ppm to 15 ppm - well below the OSHA standard (50 ppm permissible exposure limit). As a precaution, FEMA is bringing in a medical team to handle any potential health complaints from workers on the site.

Silica: OSHA has collected more than 40 samples from the disaster site and analyzed them for crystalline silica. The oven/vhelming majority have shown no detectable levels of silica. The highest result was less than half the OSHA limit

S Freon: S Freon, which is commonly used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners, B was stored in the basement of the World Trade Center. The freon containers have 9 been located and are reported to be intact. The freon will be recycled after it is 8 removed.

Additional EPA/OSHA Information 4 sawasu? i EPA Newsroom | FAQs This page originally created.'Tuesday, September 25,2001 EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us Last Updated: Wednesday. October 03,2001 19:09:48 URL: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/epa-osha02.htm

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