NYC DOH hotline Q&A on HVAC cleaning protocols and asbestos,

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• Terraces & balconies: Who is responsible for cleaning? Is it safe to clean the terrace if there is a lot of dust? What can I do if I cleaned my terrace but others in my building have not and the dust blows into my apartment? Light coatings of dust can be cleaned using wet methods and /or HEPA vacuums. An inspector should assess large accumulations of debris. I can take your name and contact information and fonward it to DEP.

B. Cleaning

• Does the Department have any recommendations about which brands of HEPAvacs or Air Purifiers provide the best safety features? Information on steps people can take to assist with indoor air quality and on the selection and purchase of residential air cleaning devices can be found at the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html

How can people who live north of Canal St. obtain a free HEPAvac and/or Air Purifier? Currently there is not a program that provides free cleaning equipment for residents north of Canal St.

• Is an Ionizer as effective as a HEPA filter? What is the difference between an Avena purifier vs. a HEPA filter? Ionizers are not suitable replacements for the use of HEPAvacs. Information can be found on the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html

• Why are people not routinely recommended to wear a mask while cleaning? Dust/paint masks do not provide protection from asbestos or fiberglass. In lower Manhattan, people will typically not be exposed to fibers and dust at levels of health concern as long as they are using wet cleaning methods, a HEPA vacuum, and they are not cleaning up areas with large amounts of WTC-related materials. Cleaning up such areas should be left to certified professionals.

C. Indoor Air Testing

• Will the Health Department conduct more indoor air testing? (will you come and test my apartment?)

NYC-WTC_000142742