NYC Law Department letter regarding EPA draft report excerpts, July

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Final Technical Report of the Public Health Investigation Page 11 of56 these minerals are similar In both residential areas.

· Exposure to significant amounts of synthetic vitreous fibers (SVF), mineral components of concrete (quartz, calcite, and portlandlte), and mineral components of building wallboard (gypsum) may cause skin rashes, eye Irritation, and upper respiratory Irritation, all of which have been voiced as concerns by citizens and first responders. If the reported irritant effects are associated with World Trade Center related materials, these effects will subside once exposure to SVF, mineral components of concrete, and mineral components of building wallboard end. Some people with pre-existing heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma) or a previous history of very high levels of exposures (occupational) to SVF, mineral components of concrete, and mineral components may be more sensitive to the Irritant effects of SVF, mineral components of concrete, and mineral components of building wallboard.

· Sometimes mineral components of concrete (calcite and portlandlte) and mineral components of building wallboard (gypsum, mica, and halite) were detected In air samples at higher estimated levels In lower Manhattan residential areas than In samples taken at comparison residential areas. These detected mineral levels are orders of magnitude below occupational standards. Although the occupational standards do not account for sensitive Individuals or extended periods of exposure, they provide a comparison to an established health guidance value. The levels of minerals seen in airborne dust do not pose potential health hazards even for a continuous year of exposure at the highest levels detected.

• Some settled surface dust could become airborne If disturbed. Therefore, people could potentially Inhale the asbestos, SVF, mineral components of concrete (quartz, calcite, and portlandlte), and mineral components of building wallboard (gypsum, mica, and halite) found In settled surface dust of some lower Manhattan residences. Because we did not determine the weight of dust present In the areas sampled, It Is not possible to determine whether any particular residence had an elevated dust loading. Appropriate continued frequent cleaning should minimize exposures.

· Several worst-case assumptions were made in order to assess the potential long-term public health risks of airborne asbestos and quartz. Some of the assumptions were that no cleaning of Indoor spaces has occurred or will occur, all fibers found in air were asbestos fibers, and the highest levels detected last fall In air represent long-term air levels. Using these worst-case assumptions, prolonged exposure (decades) to airborne asbestos and quartz may Increase the long-term, theoretical risk of people developing lung cancer and other adverse lung health effects (more than 1 additional case In 10,000 people exposed). For Individuals who conduct frequent cleaning of their residences, as recommended In this report, or participate In the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cleaning/sampling program, It Is unlikely that their exposure would resemble these worst-case conditions.

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/lowermanhattan/R.esSamp_Sep2002_Text.html 07/18/2003

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