DEP memo on ULSD legislation press release, March 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

buildings showed low levels of asbestos on the floor of the lobby and on the ground outside. Results from the testing for other materials are not yet complete but preliminary results indicate that fibrous glass (fiberglass) was also present in settled dust samples.

Letters are being sent to building owners and residents informing them of these findings and reminding them of DOH's cleaning recommendations. Because work continues at the WTC site, residents and building owners in the area are advised to continue to follow cleanup instructions. These include using a wet mop, damp cloth or a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum to clean dust from hard surfaces. HEPA vacuums should be used to clean carpets, upholstery, and other materials that cannot be cleaned by wet wiping. To prevent the recirculation of dust, residents were again advised not to sweep with "dry" brooms, use dusters, or use vacuums without an approved HEPA filter. Additionally, since work continues at the World Trade Center site, all residents were advised to avoid carrying dust into their buildings from outdoors (e.g., by taking off shoes, etc).

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 airborne substances, some residents of lower Manhattan have experienced short-term health problems such as cough, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The data from air quality tests thus far have been reassuring. All of the testing done to date has not shown results that would indicate long-term health impacts. However, conclusive scientific knowledge about the - - More - - - - Page Two - - potential health hazards of some substances is not available. It is not possible to know with certainty whether there will be long-term health consequences."

"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. 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 would generate and maintain a database that can provide a more complete picture of short- and long-term health and mental health impacts among the affected populations," Dr. Frieden concluded.

The Sampling Plan At the request of DOH, ATSDR conducted indoor air 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 not impacted by migrating dusts from the World Trade Center site to provide information on the background

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