News article on toxin anxieties at Ground Zero, undated

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Anxieties over toxins rise at Ground Zero

By Mark Lennihan. AP Pre-emptive mask: A recovery worker protects himself from possible toxins at the World Trade Center site.

Respiratory ailments persist ficials say. About 750 have had to take medical leave, according to the firefighters’ union. in residents, workers, students ingTests of eight Port Authority employees work­ at Ground Zero showed elevated levels of since collapse of twin towers mercury in their blood. Though no one is cer­ tain that working at the site caused the prob­ lem, subsequent tests found that the mercury By Charisse Jones levels of six workers returned to normal after USA TODAY they were reassigned. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency NEW YORK - In the neighborhoods closest to and local health officials are under fire from pol- the site of the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. his- iticians and others who accuse them of failing to tory, a new fear has taken hold. Despite as- adequately inform the public about potential sertions by local and federal officials that the air long-term health risks from asbestos, heavy downtown is safe to breathe, metals and various chemicals. They say officials CnVPr QtnrV downplayed negative test results of such sub- wvtA jwi J niaip concerned about toxins stances as benzene, dioxins and PCBs and have such as lead, PCBs and asbestos been slow in releasing test findings to the public ► Guide that the terrorist attacks may have left behind. The EPA disputes those criticisms and says to the Since the attacks Sept. 11, many recovery the outdoor air downtown poses no long-term toxins workers, residents and students downtown health risks. and the have complained of tightness in their chests. The interiors of at least a few buildings, how- possible bloody noses, sinus infections and other respira- ever, were coated with enough asbestos to be health tory ailments. subject to EPA rules for asbestos cleanup. A pri- effects. Roughly one in four firefighters who have vate scientific firm hired by elected officials, for Chart, 6A been working at Ground Zero have what some example, found high asbestos levels in dust at are calling “World Trade Center cough" or an­ other respiratory complaint, fire department of- Please see COVER STORY on 6A ►

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