Law Department notice on WTC document preservation, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

EHA IS using the 1 Yo deJiniuon in evaluating cxicnor dust samples in lire Lower Manhatkin urea near the World Trade Center. All affected landlords have been instructed to test dust samples within thcij- buildings utilizing this standard. Landlords were iiotilled that they should not reopen any hulldini: until a competent professional had properly inspected their premise. If more thna 1% asbestos was found and testing and cleaning was ncees.sary, it had to he performed by certified personnel.

NYC OF.P continuously tests drinking water every day for multiple parameters. After the World Trade Center disaster, DRP expanded the number of tests taken and the parameters of testing. EP A also coiiducied separate tests. Before and attcr the event, \ew York City drinking water has met and continues to meet all Federal, State, and City standards. Testing at a heightened level is continuing.

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The New York C»ty Health Commissioner Neal C. Cohen, M.D. has reviewed the findings of the various testing agencies and issued the following statements to residents. He said “despite the smoky conditions in areas af lower Mtuthattan that are dose to the World 7ratie Center she, test results from the ongoing monitoring of airborne contaminants indicate that the levels continue to be below the level of concern to public health. Nonetheless, while debris continues to be disturbed, and while tlare-ups of smoke continue to permeate the downtown area, air-testing results will continue to be monitored, and appropriate health recommendations will be issued as necessary.” Dr. Cohen added, “As work continues at the disaster site, the presence of dust and smoke odor in the downiown area has been of understandable concern to residents. However, air monitoring by Federal, State and City agencies has indicated that the levels of particulate matter being detected are below the level of public health concern and do not pose long-term health risks to the general public.”

in addition to air monitoring activities, efforts are being made daily to suppress dust and smoke al rhe World Trade Center disaster site. Results of daily dust sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is available online at SEO^py. Fact.sheets detailing Health Department recommendations pertaining to utr quality, asbestos, safely rcoccupytng homes and buildings, and worker safety arc available online at nvc.gov/heahh. For more information about all 1 leal th Department activities. New Yorkers can call (212> 227-5269. For infotmation about asbestos issues, you can consult our website at nvc .gov/dep or call the New York City Department of Environmentai PTotecuon at (TiSI DEP-HELP and ask to be referred to our asbcsto.s .staff.

Very truly yours.

92 Report No. 2003-P-00012

NYC-WTC_000145447