NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
The volume of air specified In the sampling nmethodology. This
took 5-8 hours. The focus of this project was indoor sampling. The
levels of particles and substances change based on the activities
Inside a residence not a time of day. (JC/ATSDR)
• Why is there no mention of heavy metals tested indoors?
Outdoor monitoring around the WTC worksite and indoor sampling
conducted in schoois'hearthe site have not found elevated levels
of heavy metals. Thus they were not considered a priority
substance to be tested indoors.
Is lead still being tested?
tO’ 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”. Only a
NYC PEP certified investigator or a NYS DOL (Dept, of Labor]
inspector may determine whether material is asbestos containing.
C XI The American Industrial Hygiene Association has compiled a list of
consultants who have volunteered their services to respond to the
disaster. The list is still on their website - I will contact them
tomorrow-they may be a great resource.
• What standard is the Department using to determine
"acceptable levels"? How de you answer the charge from
others that the standards being used are not protective of
health, given the unique circumstances of the WTC collapse?
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
.//sbestos fibers. [For more information refer to the Asbestos update
of Jar, 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
NYC-WTC_000142760
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