DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Prophylactic Antibiotics and Gas Masks

Preventive measures, such as prophylactic antibiotics, are not recommended by the NYCDOH and CDC. In the absence of the release of a biologic agent, prophylactic antibiotics have no benefit. Furthermore, the inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to an increased resistance to antibiotics and their use may result in serious complications such as allergic reactions and harmful interactions with other medications. In addition, anthrax and small pox vaccinations are not indicated. Gas masks are not designed to provide protection against biological agents. They only protect against chemical agents if worn at the time of release. Gas masks are impractical as they require the changing of cartridges every few hours in order to remain effective. The improper use of gas masks can result in injury or even death, especially among people with underlying heart or lung disease.

Chemical Disasters

The release of a harmful chemical would most likely be limited to a specific area, within a short time span, and the NYCDOH would be able to identify the chemical quickly. If a chemical incident were to occur, the safest action would be to avoid the area affected and, if the chemical was released outdoors, to close all windows. Once a person is away from the scene of the incident, the likelihood of developing a serious illness is minimal.

Steps People Should Take in the Event of a Bioterrorist or Chemical Attack

1. Remain calm. 2. Realize that if you are unharmed, you will most likely remain unharmed. 3. Stay away from the location of the incident. 4. If the chemical or bacteria was released outdoors, close all the windows. 5. Put on the radio/television in order to stay informed.

Environmental Concerns Regarding Lower Manhattan

Air monitoring in the inunediate vicinity of the World Trade Center has been conducted by various city, state and federal agencies. They have found that, though asbestos was used in the construction of the World Trade Center, asbestos levels are low. Based on these results, short-term health effects from exposure to asbestos are not expected. There are no tests that can be performed to determine if exposure has occured or to predict whether pulmonary disease will occur in the future. At a minimum, anyone who needs to enter the secured area within one block of the World Trade Center should wear a hard hat, eye protection, sturdy shoes or work boots, long sleeve shirts and long pants. A National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health- approved dust mask should be worn, especially in dusty conditions. Increased particulate matter and dust released during the days since the attack may cause

NYC-VVTC_000149331