DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Based on. u asbestos test results received thus far, the general public’s risk for any short or long-term adverse health affects are very low, and there are no significant health risks to occupants in the affected area. In general, asbestos-related lung disease results only from intense asbestos exposure experienced over a period of many years, primarily as a consequence of occupational exposures. The risk of developing an asbestos-related iUness following an exposure of short duration, even to high levels, is extremely low.

fflua should I do with food l^ in my apartment?

The power outage in much of lower Manhattan may have caused refrigerated and frozen food to spoil. Raw or cooked meat, poultry and seafood, milk and milk-containing products, eggs, mayonnaise and creamy dressings, and cooked foods should be thrown out if powe: Aras out for two or more hours. Frozen foods that have thawed should be thrown away. Do not re-freeze thawed food.

Throw away any food tha' may have been contaminated with dust, except for food in cans, jars, or containers with tight-fitting lids. Wash cans and jars with water and wipe it clean. When it comes to food left in your building, ifin doubt, throw it out.

How should I clean the dust in my apartment when I move back in?

The best way to remove dust is to use a wet rag or wet mop. Sweeping with a dry broom is not recommended because it can make dust airborne again. Where dust is thick, you can directly wet the dust with water, and remove it layers with wet rags and mops. Dirty tags can be rinsed xmder running water, being careful to not leave dust in the sink to dry. When done, used rags and mops should be put in plastic bags while they are still wet and bags should be sealed and discarded (cloth rags can be washed, see instructions below). Rags should not be allowed to dry out before bagging and disposal or washing.

Because the dust particles are so small, standard vacuuming is not an efficient way to remove the dust and may put dust back into the air where it can be inhaled. HEPA (high efficiency particulate) efficiency filtration vacuums (i.e., HEPA vacuums) capable of trapping very fine particles are preferred. They are now widely available in stores and may be shared by more than one family. If a HEPA vacuum is not available, it is recommended that either HEPA bags or dust allergen bags be used with your regular vacuum.

Carpets and upholstery can be shampooed and then vacuumed.

If your apartment is very dusty, you should wash or HEPA vacuum your curtains. If curtains need to be taken down, take them down slowly to prevent making dust in the air.

To clean plants, rinse leaves with water. Pets can be washed with running water from a hose or faucet; their paws should be wiped to avoid tracking dust inside the home.

How can I remove dustfrom the air?

Air purifiers may help reduce mdoor dust levels. HEPA air purifiers are superior to other models in filtering die smallest particles. Air purifiers are only useful for removing dust fixrm the air. They will not remove dust already deposited on floors, shelves, upholstery or rugs. Keep windows closed when using an air purifier.

Additional recommendations include:

! Avoid sweeping or other outdoor maintenance; ! Keep outdoor dust from entering the home; ! Keep windows closed; ■ Set the air conditioner to re-circulate air (closed vents), and clean or change the filter frequently; ! k.move shoes before entering the home for several days (once you first make sure there is no broken glass) Do I need to wash all my clothes and linen?

Dusty clothes should be washed separately firom other clothing. Wash heavily-soiled or dusty clothing or linens twice. Remove lint fixrm washing machines and filters in the dryers with each laundry load.

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