HVAC cleanup proposal for residential units, Feb 2003

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

EPA Response to 9-11: Frequently Asked Questions http://www.epa.gov/wtc/questioiis/index.html

What will EPA test for? The EPA will test for asbestos in the indoor air after the cleanups are completed (and in residences where people want testing without cleaning). The Agency will assess the testing results using a federal health benchmark or level that assumes a thirty year exposure. This means that if a population of 10,000 people is exposed to a level of asbestos above the benchmark for a period of thirty years, there could be one additional case of cancer beyond what that population would normally expect to experience.

Will you test for dioxin and lead and substances other than asbestos? We will test for asbestos in air. This is the substance of greatest concern, and air is the pathway of exposure. By cleaning up the dust, many other substances will also be removed. Our scientists will continue their evaluation of a list of other substances associated with the WTC collapse. The list includes asbestos, fibrous glass, dioxin, lead and other substances. These scientists and technical experts are evaluating whether there is reason to be concerned about other compounds in indoor environments. If they conclude that substances other than asbestos might pose a significant risk, the scientists will determine if any refinement to cleanup guidance is needed. The list and any proposed benchmarks for substances on the list will be peer reviewed by independent scientists.

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How soon after my home is cleaned will EPA test? EPA will test on the following day.

What if the results show that there is still asbestos in my air? The unit will be re-cleaned and the air will be tested again. We would continue this process until the air monitoring meets the 30-year health standard.

Were there contaminants in homes before September 11? Most if not all of the pollutants associated with the collapse of the World Trade Center were present in New York City's environment prior to September 11th. To establish a baseline for the presence of these contaminants in affected residences, EPA will collect and analyze samples to look for some of these pollutants in residences in parts of Manhattan that were not impacted. The Agency will use the data to determine pre-existing or "background" levels of these pollutants in interior spaces in New York City.

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Businesses Will the agencies be cleaning any commercial properties? For the most part, the voluntary cleaning program recently announced by EPA, does not include businesses. The focus is on people's homes, where they spend the most amount of time. New York City, however, will be cleaning a small number of commercial spaces in unoccupied, uncleaned buildings and will also be cleaning building roofs and facades to prevent any dust or debris from re-entering interior spaces. The removal of the residual dust from building exteriors makes sense now that the recovery efforts at Ground Zero are officially complete. There is financial assistance available to small businesses through the Small Business Administration.

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