Q&A and FAQ regarding WTC response, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

t construction of parts of the World Trade Center buildings. Asbestos is present in some of the debris at the site and in areas very close to the site.

In workplaces where levels of asbestos exposure are high and persist for many years, health concerns include lung diseases such as asbestosis and cancer. However, when exposures are low and of short duration, the risk of developing an asbestos-related illness such as asbestosis or cancer is extremely low.

What levels of asbestos have been found in the area and how do they compare to health-based standards? The U.S. and NYC standard for asbestos in community and residential buildings is 0.01 fibers/cubic centimeter (f/cc) in indoor air. For workers, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standard is 0.1 fibers/cc in air.

Sampling for asbestos fibers at the disaster site began on September 11. The EPA is currently sampling at fifteen monitoring locations near the site and in the nearby community, and additional testing is being conducted at other locations by city and state agencies. Results indicate that, as expected, asbestos is present in some of the debris at the site and in areas very close to the site. As of September 21,2001, most air sampling results near the World Trade Center were below the standards for asbestos in indoor air.

As testing continues, there may be the possibility of occasional short-term increases in levels of asbestos in the air above the residential' standard of 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter of air. Short-term exposures to relatively low levels should not pose a health risk to individuals.

My home and/or office is very dusty. What should I do to clean-up? For people returning to homes or workplaces refer to die NYCDOH’s Advisory Factsheet “Recommendations for People Re-Occupying Commercial Buildings and Residents Re-Entering Their Homes”, [posted on their website: www.nyc.gov/health?]

NYC Health Department’s clean-up recommendations include:

• All cleaning activities should avoid stirring up the dust and making it airborne. • Clean with a wet mop or wet rag. Do not sweep with a broom.

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