DEP ROOF/FACADE CLEANING FILE

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• Technical questions such as: Is an Ionizer as effective as a HEPA filter? What is the difference between an Avena purifier vs. a HEPA filter?

This information can also be found on the EPA website: www.epa.qov/iaq/pub/resdair.

• Why are people not routinely recommended to wear a mask while cleaning?

The wearing of a respirator is recommended whenever an individual is expected to-be exposed to levels of toxic-substances thamay-be harmful. Dust/paint masks do not provide protection from asbestos-or fiberghssr In iower Manhattan, people will not be exposed-to such levels as iong ac they are using wet-cleaning methods, a HEPA vsccum, and not cleaning up areas with visible ameunts of WTC-ralated materials. Cleaning up such areas should be ieft to certified professfonals^ For-a respirator to be protective, individuals need to insure that-they are using aTiiter cartridge appropriate for the substances they are potentially exposed (to?). in addition, people wearing respirators need to be “fit tested” on a yearly basis to insure that the respirator fits well enough to provide protection. (JC/ATSDR)

• Nancy: this is what the routine cleaninq fact sheet says: Some people have reported irritation from airborne dust when they clean. The dust can cause irritation of your nose, throat, and lunqs. If you experience irritation while cleaninq and wish to use a dust mask, use an N-95 type disposable dust mask. These masks can be found at most local hardware and home improvement stores.

This is what I am suqqesting for the Q &A: • There are several reasons why the use of respirators was not routinely recommended: (1) It is not necessary to use a respirator when followinq the routine cleaninq methods described in the fact sheet (2) Not all respirators are created equal - respirators differ in the contaminants they can and cannot remove from the air you are breathinq, they differ in the way they fit individuals, and therefore, they may not be protective if not properly selected. This may result in qivinq the wearer a sense of protection (3) It is better to have professionals who participate in workplace respiratory protection proqrams perform cleaninq where there are visible amounts of WTC-related materials.

• Some individuals, however, may be more sensitive to airborne dust

NYC-WTC_000147681