NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
• Why is there no mention of heavy metals tested indoors?
Outdoor monitoring around the WTC worksite and indoor sampling
conducted in schools near the site have not found elevated levels
of heavy metals. Thus they were not considered a priority
substance to be tested indoors.
• is lead still being tested?
Yes [need to have some data]
• What companies conduct indoor air and dust testing?
We cannot recommend specific companies but suggest callers
refer to Yellow Pages under “Environmental Consultant”
• What standard is the Department using to determine
“acceptable levels”? How do you answer the charge from
others that the standards being used are not protective of
health, given the unique circumstances of the WTC collapse?
In evaluating data from the WTC and the surrounding areas, the
DOH is using a protective standard under AHERA (Asbestos
Hazard Emergency Response Act) to evaluate the risk...
D. AirCpnditipnere
• Is it safe to run air conditioners? How do you know if your air
conditioner is contaminated? If there is dust settled on the
outside will it enter into the air inside?
• How should they be cleaned?
• How often should filters be replaced?
• Can you buy a HEPA filter that will fit Into an air conditioner?
Some air conditioners are not compatible with HEPA filters.
II HEALTH RELATED ISSUES
A. Health Effects
• What is the DOH doing to protect residents’ health? ( Some
people report that they have asthma as a result of the air, as
well as other symptoms. While symptoms have decreased
over the past few months, there remain concerns about
coughs, upper respiratory stress, etc.)
????Due to particulate matter and sulfur oxides, there may be
temporary airway irritation. The composition of these particles may
be alkaline which can result in respiratory irritation.
NYC-WTC_000148153
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