NYC DOH WTC disaster health Q&A fact sheet, Sep 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Health THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH QUESTIONS FOLLOWING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER The September 11, 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) disaster was unprecedented in the history of the United States. The New York City Department of Health (DOH), as well as

f other City, State and federal agencies continue to monitor conditions and are committed to working with the community to identify and address health concerns. The purpose of this fact sheet is to answer common questions related to the WTC disaster, particularly as they relate to the fires at the site and the potential impact on public health.

Why did the fires at the site bum for so long?

Initially, it was anticipated that the fires would cease burning within the first few weeks of the disaster. Unfortunately, they continued to burn at the site, contributing to prolonged, intermittent releases of smoke Into the air. In most situations, fires In buildings can be put out quickly, in the case of the WTC, the fires burned below the surface and were fed by large quantities of combustible materials like carpeting, furniture, computers, and I- other building materials. As steel and rubble are removed and the pile shifts, oxygen is } added to the hot embers and the fires can be revived. As a consequence, smoke t- continued to be released intermittently.

I live and/or work downtown. Do 1 need to be concerned about the air • I'm breathing? For healthy people living and working in areas near the WTC site, it is believed that the contaminant levels in the environment do not pose serious long-term health risks. While exposure to smoke can cause eye, nose and throat irritation among healthy individuals, these symptoms are usually short-lived and are unlikely to lead to ongoing health problems. The fires at the site can also contribute to odors in the surrounding area. When odors are present, some people may experience short-tenn effects such as

I respiratory irritation, headaches and dizziness. These effects tend to lessen once exposure to the odors is stopped.

ADVISORY: If you experience more serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath, or chest pains, or if you have a medical condition you feel is worsening, you should seek medical attention Immediately.

1 am experiencing eye, nose, and throat irritation. What from the WTC i site may be causing this?

II Smoke from the fires still burning at the WTC site Is the likely source of compounds such as airborne particles or particulate matter (PM) and sulfur oxides, which can cause

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