HVAC cleanup proposal for residential units, Feb 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document D.C. Robert Rvaltroni TEL •■718-595-4544 May 08 02 8:52 No.001 P.03

We have also been compiling indoor air samples from approximately 300

building owners in I.ower Manhattan. Of the more than 121,000 samples submitted

to date, only 1% has been above the established asbestos guidelinc.s. Jn all these cases, a

proper clean-up was conducted. DEP has responded to owner requests and citizen

complaints about debris in apartments with site visits to review interior and exterior

condiiions. To date, wc have received 218 complaints regarding po.s.sible asbestos

contamination in apartments; only one-of these complaints has warranted a clean-up.

Wc arc confident that there is minimal reason for public concerns about the air in their

homes. Regardlc.s.s, we recognize that New Yorkers need to be assured that they are

not being exposed to asbestos that might pose long-term health ri.sks. Through the

partnership of these agencies, we are pleased to be going forward with this program to

offer professional cleaning and testing of residential units south of Canal Street river-

to-river.

The scientific data about immediate health risks from short-term exposure to

asbestos is reassuring, and in the few cases where it has been found in homes,

professional clean-up has been completed. Unfortunately, there are few existing

standards for indoor air quality and sampling protocols arc still rudimentary at this

point. The EPA Indoor Task Force is to working to develop accurate evaluation

criteria. As wc conduct the necessary background studies, wc will keep the public

informed about any new information that is valuable in the .short-term. By offering

testing and clean-ups to all Lower Manhattan residents while continuing to evaluate

local interior and exterior air quality, we aim to address the public’s immediate

concerns, while allowing us to ensure the long-term quality of air Downtown.

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