Mayor's memo on indoor air quality concerns, Feb 28, 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

28 of Feb 2002, Mayor Off.ice ->718 595 4544 Page 3 of 3 v.

He recommends that clean-up be paid-for.by FEMA,

DOH position:

"The Department of Health and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a study of both air and dust samples taken in November and December of 2001 at thirty residential buildings in lower Manhattan. This study showed no elevated levels of asbestos in indoor air. Dust sample tests showed low levels of asbestos in some samples and fiberglass in some other dust samples Asbestos and fiberglass can be a problem if they become airborne. Airborne fiberglass can cause cough and skin, throat and eye irritation While these findings are not unexpected, they underscore the importance of proper cleaning to minimize exposure, as DOH has repeatedly emphasized " Testimony of Thomas R. Frieden, M D . M P H , Commissioner. New York City Department of Health before the U. 3. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Subcommittee on Ciean Air. Wetlands and Clim.ate Change. Monday, February 11,2002

"New York Crty Heaith Commissioner Thomas R Frieden, MD, IM PH said, ‘The data from air quality tests thus far have oeen reassuring. None of the testing to date has shown results that would indfoate long­ term health impacts, rlowever conclusive scientific knowledge about the potential health hazards of some substances is not available.'" Press Release, New York City Department of Health. Friday, February 8, 2002

Potential Problems far City Hall and Reconsidering current city policy Seemingly reputable scientists have come down on both sides of the argument. However, if Nadler's concerns are justified, we are not informing people of the real health risks in lower Manhattan, the City may face major public relations problems and is leaving itself open to a barrage of lawsuits. At the least we should discontinue telling people to clean their apartments with wet mops and rags. We should be asking FEMA for funds to support indoor cleanup.

NYC-WTC_000147336