DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

EPA IS using the 1 Yo deJiiiiiion in evaluating exterior dust samples in die Lower Manhattan area near the World Trade Center. All affected landlords have been instructed to test dust samples within their buildings utilising this standard. Landlords were notified that they should not reopen any hitUdlita until a cotofteteat professional had properly inspected their premise. If more than IVo asbestos was found and testing and cleaning was ncces.sary, it hud io be performed by certified personnel.

DrrnJiine ^yciter

NYC DEP continuously tests drinking water every day for multiple parameters. After the World Trade Center disaster, DEP expanded the number of tests taken and the parameters of testing. EP A also conducled separate tests. Before and aRer the eveat, yfetr York City drinking water has met and continues to meet all Federal, State, and City standards. Testing Kt a heightened level is continuing.

Ny<2 UeKrarrnten/ af/JeaM The New York City Health Commissioner Neal C. Cohen, M.D, has reviewed the findings of the various testing agencies and Issued the following statements to residents. He said “despite the smoky conditions in areas of lower Maahattatt that are close to the World Trade Center site, test results from the ongoing monitoring of airborne contaminants Indicate that the levels continue to be below the level of concern to public health. Nonetheless, while debris continues to be disturbed, and while flare-ups of smoke continue to permeate the downtown area, air-testing results will continue to be monitored, and appropriate health recommendations will be issued as nocBssary.” Dr. Cohen added, “As work continues at the disaster site, the presence of dust and smoke odor in the downtown area has been ofunderstandable concern to residents. However, air monitoring by Federal, State and City agencies has indicated that the levels of particulate matter being detected are below ths level of public health concern and do not pose long-term health risks to the general public.”

in addition to air monitoring activities, eSbrts are being made daily to suppress dust and smoke at the World Trade Center disaster site. Results of daily dust sampling conducted by the U.S. iinvironmentai Protection Agency is available online at ena-gov. Factsheets detailing Health Department recommendations pertaining to air quality, asbestos, safely reoccupying homes and buildings, and worker safety are available online at nvc.gov/health. For more information about all I lealllt Department activities, .New Yorkers can call (212> 227-526?. For information about asbestos issues, you can consult our website at or call the New York City Department of Rnvirswaental. Protection, at (718') DEP-HELP and ask to be referred to our asbestos staff.

Very truly yours.

:^ceiiSr.. Cmnt^siaaer

92 Report No. 2003-P-00012

NYC-WTC_000149201