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

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

written. NOTE; this is still in DRAFT form and needs to be approved.

• Different pediatricians are giving different assessments of the impact on children? What is DOH’s position?

Every child/patient has unigue genetic, physical and emotional reactions and some people may be more sensitive than other. The DOH can not respond to individual patient symptoms. Individuals should seek medical attention if their child is experiencing medical symptoms) The Mt, Sinai Pediatric Environmental Health Unit can also be contacted at ; www.mssm.edu/cpm/peds environ.shtml Or call: 1-866-265-6201 (NJ/CB)

Also Refer to Fact Sheet in previous answer

• In the indoor air testing why did we sample the air at adult breathing levels and not lower levels where young children breathe? (The Mt. Sinai doctor’s testimony indicated that we should be more concerned about children’s exposures and that we aren’t doing enough)

The method used in the WTC Indoor Air Project Sampling was a standard method used for the general public. There should not be a significant difference as far as capturing what is in the air in that situation.

C. Asbestos

• The indoor study found the presence of asbestos in the dust. Doesn’t it take only one fiber of asbestos lodged in a lung to cause disease, and if so aren’t we all at increased risk for disease?

All of the studies on lung diseases caused by asbestos indicate that affected populations were exposed to large amounts of asbestos for at least a year. There are not studies supporting the assertion that low exposure levels for long periods result in health effects. Thi5■6tatement■Gome6-fR^m-the■extrapolation from higher lovel expecuros to low levels: (JC/ATSDR)

• Don’t we risk inhaling asbestos even if we wet clean and HEPAvac since the small fibers escape?

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