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

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• Technical questions such as: Is an Ionizer as effective as a HEPA filter? What is the difference between an Avena purifier vs.aHEPAfilter?

This information can also be found on the EPA website: www.epa.qov/iaq/pub/resdair.

• Why are people not routinely recommended to wear a m-'sk while cleaning?

The wearing of a respirator is recommended whenever-an individual is-expected to-be exposed to levels-of toxic substances thamay-be-harmful. Dust/paint masks do not provide protection from asbestos or fiberglass. In lower Manhattan, people will not be exposed to such leve!s-as-long as they are using wet cleaning methods, a HEPA vaocwnrand not cleaning up areas-with-visible amounts ofA/VTG-related materials. Cleaning-up such-areas should be left to certified professionals.-For-a-respirstor to-be protectivei individuals need to insure that4hey are-using a filter-cartridge appropriate for the substances they are potentially exposed (to?). in addition,-people wearing respirators need to be "fit tested" on a yearly basis-to insure-that the-respirator fits well enough to provido protection. (JC/ATSDR)

• Nancy: this is what the routine cleaning fact sheet says: Some people have reported irritation from airborne dust when they clean. The dust can cause irritation of your nose, throat, and lunqs. If you experience irritation while cleaninq and wish to use a dust mask, use an N-95 type disposable dust mask. These masks can be found at most local hardware and home improvement stores.

This is what I am suggesting for the Q &A: • There are several reasons why the use of respirators was not routinely recommended: (1) It is not necessary to use a respirator when following the routine cleaninq methods described in the fact sheet (2) Not all respirators are created equal - respirators differ in the contaminants they can and cannot iemove from the air you are p breathinq, they differ in the way they fit individuals, and therefore, they may not be protective if not properly selected. This may result in giving the wearer a false sense of protection (3) It is better to have professionals who participate in workplace respiratory protection programs perform cleaninq where there are visible amounts of WTC-related materials.

• Some individuals, however, may be more sensitive to airborne dust.

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