DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document r (Nuu <• lU! 1 fl 0030^04'4 P:e'4

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Because some asbestos was used in (he building of the World Trade Center, City’, State, and Fede u agencies have been collecting dust, debris, and air samples since the World Trade Center collapse. As expected, some asbestos was found in a tew of the dust and debris samples taken from (lie blast site and individuals working in this area have been advised to take precautions. However, most of the air samples taken have been below levels of concern. Based on the asbestos tcsl results -eceived thas far, there are no significant bcaltlr risks to occupants in the aficcicd area or to the general public. In general, asbesios-rclated lung disease results only Unni intense asbestos exposure experienced wer a period of many years, primarily' as a consequence of tiecupauonal exposures, ihe risk of developing uu asbestos-related illness following an exposure of short duration, even to hi^ levels, is extremely low. fVhaAottiJfdojtithfi>0dl^innyapartmentr The power outage in much of lower Manhattan may have caused refrigerated and frozen food to spoil. Raw or wx)ked meat poultry and seafood, milk and milk*coutainingproducts, eggs, nnyonnaisc and creamy dressings, and cooked foods should be thrown out if power was out for two or mure hours. Frozen foods that Imvc thawed should be thrown away. Do not re-freeze thawed food. Throw away any food that may have been contaminated with dust, except tor fix/ in cans, jars, or containers with tight-fitting lids. Washcansandjars with water aid wipe it clean. When it comes to food Icfi in your building,//'zt doubt, throw it out. ffowshmildidttatt tha Justimr^ aji>arb»entwhoa Ittufvebackinf The best way to remove dust is to use a wet rag or wet mop. Sweeping with a dry broom is not reoommended because it can make dust airborne again. Where dust is thick, you can direeily wet the dusl with water, aud remove it with wet rags and mops. Dirty mgs can be rinsed under rumiiug wafer, being careful to not leave died in the sink to diy. When done, ttsed rags and mops should be put in plastic bags wlulc they are still wot and bags should be .sealed and discarded. Cloth rugs should be washed separately from other laundry’. Wasli heavily soiled or dusty clothing or linens twice Remove liut fiom washing machines and filters in the diyem wilti each laundry load. Rags should not be allowed to dry out before bagging and disposal or washing. To leduce dust recirculatjon, the Health Department recommends u«ng HEPA (high emciency p^ctilalc air) filtration vacuums when cleaning up apartments, if possible If a HEPA is not availaldc, it is recommended that either IIEPA bags or dusl allergen bags be used with your regular vacuum. IT these options urc not available, welting down the dusl and lemoving ii as described above is recommended Caipcis and upholslcij can be shampooed and then vacuumed. If your apartment is very dusty, you should wash or HEPA vacuum your curtains. If curtain.s need to be taken down, take (hem down slowly to keep dust fiom circulating in the air. To dean plants, rinse leaves with water. Pets can be washed with running water from a hose or faucet; llicir paws sliould he wiped to avoid tracking dust inside the home. How cm I rmtave dustfiam the aiff Air purifiers may help reduce indoor dust levels. HEPA air purifiers are superior to other models in filtering (he smallest particles. Air purifiers are only usefill lor removing dust from the air. They will not remove dust already deposited on fioors, shelves, upholstery or rugs. Keep windows closed when using an air purifier. Additional recouunendatioiis include; Keep outdoor dust fiom entering the home; Keep windows closed*. Scl the air oonditioner tn re-circiilaie air (closed vents), and dean or change the fiber frequcudy; Remove shoes before entering the home for several days (once you find make sure there is no broken glass) Avoid sweeping or other outdoor maintenance.

For more inrormation, call the Health Department’s General infonuation Lise at (212) 213 -1844 or visit our wd»8ite nt oycRovAcnlth.

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