DEP hotline Q&A on HVAC cleaning and debris assessment, n.d.

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

The Department has been working to establish a registry for various populations affected by the WTC collapse. The specific design and function of the registry are being developed, but it will serve as a data base from which researchers can study the health effects of the WTC collapse and the aftermath. Efforts are underway to raise funds for the registry.

• A Mt. Sinai physician testified that he has seen patients 7 blocks from WTC with significant health effects (upper respiratory stress, asthma, etc.). What does that mean for other nearby residents downwind from the site?

The illness observed by this physician in some of his patients cannot necessarily be linked to exposure to WTC without Information on how and where these patients were exposed. Illnesses were observed in the rescue workers and others who were near WTC on 9/11 and immediately there after. However, the air data collected by EPA and other agencies since that period indicates that for the general public, significant health effects are unlikely. Just like some people have allergies, there may be more sensitivity among some individuals, there have been no significant exposuresrespecially 7 blocks away. (JC/ARSDR)

• Do residents need to see a respiratory specialist for air exposure concerns? If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or having symptoms that are different than what you’ve experienced before, you should seek medical attention. This person does not necessarily need to be a respirator/ specialist. (NJ/CBl

Reeommendatioft?-???? I B. Children

• Is it safe for children to breathe the air? Since they have smaller lungs and their bodies are still developing, do the standards for determining the health effects of toxins In the air take into account children’s physical development?

We agree the children are more vulnerable to environmental conditions. However, the air standards being used for environmental monitoring are designed to protect children and the elderly, which are more sensitive populations. (NJ/CB)

Refer to Fact Sheet on Protectino-Ghildren. Promoting Children’s Health Following the WTC Disaster, which has recently been

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