NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
EPA IS using the 1% deliiiition in evaluating cxicnor dust samples in the Lower .Maiihallan area near
the World Trade Center. All uffeeted landlords have been instructed to test dust samples within
their buildings utilising this standard. Landlords were iintined that they should not reopen any
huildiag orttil a competent professiaaai bad properly Inspected their preatise, if more than
1% asbestos was found and testing and cleaning was necessary, it hud to he performed by
certified personnel.
NYC DPP ccntinuousiy tests drinking water every day for multiple parameters. After the World
Tiade Ceriicr disaster, DEP expanded the number of tests tuken and the parameters of testing. EP A
also conducted separate tests. Before and atter the event, yew York City drinking water baa
met and continues to meet all Federal, State, and City standards. Testing at a heightened level
is continuing.
NYC Departnf^n/ a/ //eail/t
The New York City 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 of lower Manhattan that are close to the World Trade Center
site, 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 Io
be disturbed, and while flare-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
nocossary.” Dr. Cohen added, "As work continues at the disaster site, the presence of dust and
smoke odor in the downtown area has been of understandable concern to residents. Hovsever, 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 rislts to the general public.”
la addition to air monitoring activities, efibrts are being made daily to suppress dust and smoke at
the World Trade Center disaster site. Results of daily dust sampling conducted by the U.S.
iinvironmentai Protection Agency is available online at epa-gov. Factsheess detailing Health
Department recommendations pertaining to air quality, asbestos, safely reoccupying homes and
buildings, and worker safety are available online al nvc.gov/heaith. For more information about all
I leal 111 Department activities. New Yorkers can call (212> 227-526?. For information about asbestos
issues, you can consult our website at nyS-SSiX^iss °t “t" ihe New York City Department of
Eiwironmtt'aiai Protection, at <718) DEP-HELP and ask to be referred to not asbestos .staff.
Very truly yotirs,
92 Report No. 2003-P-00012
NYC-WTC_000145612
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