NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
• Why is there no mention of heavy metais tested indoors?
Outdoor monitoring around the WTC worksite and Indoor sampling
conducted in schools near the site have not found elevated levels
of heavy metals. Thus they were not considered a priority
substance to be tested Indoors.
• is iead still being tested?
Yes [need to have some data - parents very concerned about
possible elevated lead levels]
• What companies conduct indoor air and dust testing?
We cannot recommend specific companies but suggest callers
refer to Yellow Pages under "Environmental Consultant”.
• What standard is the Department using to determine
“acceptable levels”? How do you answer the charge from
others that the standards being used are not protective of
health, given the unique circumstances of the WTC collapse?
The standards being used are the most conservative ones available
for the City to take regulatory action, (nj... .any other wording
suggested?)
In evaluating data from the WTC and the surrounding areas, the
DOH is using a protective standard under AHERA (Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act) to evaluate the risk. This
standard is 70 structures per square millimeter, This is the
standard normally used to decide when children may re-enter
school buildings following asbestos-removal activities. The
Department of Environmental Protection requires an asbestos
abatement If more than 1% of dust in a bulk sample contains
asbestos fibers. [For more Information refer to the Asbestos update
of Jan 22, 2002 and DOH’s Q + A sheet on asbestos]
D. Air Conditioners
• Is it safe to run air conditioners? How do you know if your air
conditioner is contaminated? If there is dust settled on Iha
outside will it en*er Into the air inside?
DEP: Outdoor air samples have indicated that the air quality meets
the current standards. However, if visible accumulations of debris
are observed near the air conditioner’s intake, the accumulations
NYC-WTC_000142761
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