Congressional response to EPA cleanup responsibility, March 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

•' New York City Department of Health - DOH pr08 - NYC Department of Health Presents 1. Page 2 of 3

New York City Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, "Since the collapse of the . World Trade Center, an event that resulted in the release of large amounts of dust and other airborne particles, some residents of lower Manhattan have reported short-term health problems such as cough, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The data from air quality tests thus far have been reassuring. None of the testing to date has shown results that would indicate long-term health impacts. However, conclusive scientific knowledge about the potential health hazards of some substances is not available. DOH recognizes residents' concerns and will continue to work closely with local, state and Federal agencies to monitor air quality and to inform the public of findings as soon as results are available." Dr. Frieden continued.

"Additionally, DOH has been working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a protocol for a World Trade Center Registry, which, if funded, would generate and maintain a database that can be used as a basis for conducting studies that can provide a more complete picture of short- and long-term health and mental health impacts among the affected populations," Dr. Frieden concluded.

Sampling Summary At the request of DOH, ATSDR conducted tests in 59 apartments in 30 geographically representative buildings in lower Manhattan in November and December 2001. Testing was also conducted in four buildings above 59th Street to provide information on the background level of various substances present indoors in New York City. Using widely accepted testing methods, the agency looked for several materials that are common building components or could potentially cause short and long-term health problems. Each set of tests included samples of air and settled dust, and these samples were analyzed for fiber-like materials - asbestos, fibrous glass - and for other particles including silica, gypsum, mica, and calcite.

A total of 117 samples were taken from 30 buildings in lower Manhattan and analyzed for airborne fibers. Samples were taken inside residences, in common areas within residential buildings, and outside of the buildings. The air samples from inside the buildings showed no elevated levels of asbestos. Levels were similar to those seen in areas not affected by the World Trade Center collapse.

The analysis of 98 dust samples for asbestos taken from the inside and outside of residential buildings in lower Manhattan indicated that while 20% were above background levels, only two samples which were taken from outdoors required abatement. Professional abatement work was completed in this area.

Samples taken from inside and outside of residential buildings in lower Manhattan were analyzed for fibrous glass. Fibrous glass was detected in 43 of the 98 samples taken. The results of air sampling for fibrous glass, and for air and surface testing of other materials, are not yet available.

Health Information about Asbestos and Fiberglass The risk of developing these diseases from environmental exposures depends on the level and duration of exposure.

Exposure to asbestos is associated with asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and cancer. The likelihood of developing disease from limited, short-term, low-level exposure is low. There is no reliable test that can indicate whether an individual has had low-level exposures to asbestos. In the occupational setting, where the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure can be greater, there is a higher risk to workers. Workers at the WTC site need to use the appropriate protective equipment to reduce exposure. Exposure to some forms of fibrous glass (fiberglass) can cause cough, and eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation. Long-term health effects associated with fibrous glass are not completely known and standards for

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