Congressional response to EPA cleanup responsibility, March 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

I'^ew York City Department of Health - DOH pr08 - NYC Department of Health Presents Fi Page 1 of 3

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Press Release / New York City Department of Health Office of Public Affairs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Greg Butler Friday, February 8, 2002 (212) 295-5335/5336

NYC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PRESENTS FINDINGS FROM INDOOR AIR SAMPLING IN LOWER MANHATTAN Analysis ofAir Samples Taken from Residential Buildings in Lower Manhattan Indicates No Elevation ofAsbestos in Air. Low Levels ofAsbestos and Some Fiberglass Found in Dust Samples. DOH Reminds Residents ofImportance of Cleaning to Reduce Dust.

As part of an ongoing effort to assess the environmental impact of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster and to respond to public health concerns, the New York City Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted indoor and outdoor tests of thirty residential buildings in lower Manhattan.

The tests examined samples of both air and dust. The air samples from inside the buildings showed no elevated levels of asbestos. The air sampling results for fibrous glass (fiberglass) are not yet available. The dust showed low levels of asbestos in some samples and the presence of fiberglass in other samples. The potential for exposure to these materials depends not only on their concentration in the dust but also on the amount of dust that is present. Asbestos and fiberglass can pose a health risk if dust accumulates and particles become airborne. While these findings are not unexpected, they underscore the importance of proper cleaning to reduce dust.

DOH is sending letters to building owners and residents informing them of the test results; flyers are also being distributed in lower Manhattan. The letters and flyers emphasize the importance of following DOH's cleaning recommendations to prevent dust from becoming airborne, especially while work continues at the WTC site. In addition to distributing information to residents, DOH is holding community meetings in association with Manhattan Community Board No. 1 to directly address any remaining concerns.

Residents are being advised to use a wet mop, damp cloth, or a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum to clean dust from hard surfaces, and HEP A vacuums to clean carpets, upholstery, and other items that cannot be cleaned by wet wiping. To prevent the recirculation of dust, residents are advised not to sweep with "dry" brooms, or to use dusters or vacuums without approved HEPA filters. Since fiberglass can be irritating to the skin, rubber gloves can be used to provide skin protection. Residents were also advised to avoid carrying dust into their buildings from outdoors (e.g., by taking off shoes).

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