DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document SEP-25-2^31 03:IIP FROM: TO:17185954544 P:2^4

Because some asbestos ^vas used in (he building of the World Trade Center, Ci^', State, and Federal agencies havo been collecting dust, debris, and air samples since the World Trade Center collapse. As expected, smiie asbestos was found in a tew of the dust and debris samples taken from lite blast site and individuals working in this urea have been advised to take precautions. However, most of the air samples taken have been below levels of concern. Based on the asbestos toil results received thus far, there are no significant hcaltli risks to occupants in the affected area or to the gcucml public. In general, asbesios-mlated lung disease results only from intense asbestos exposure experienced over a period of many years, primarily as a consequence of iKcupatlonal exposures. The risk of developing nu asbestos-related illness following an exposure of short dura; .on, even to hi^ levels, is extremely low. VHta should r da in iry apartment? The power ouiage in much of lower Manhattan may have caused refrigerated and frozen food to ^lil. Raw or «)oked meat, poultry and seafood, milk and trulk-coutainingproducts, eggs, mnyonnaisc and creamy dressing.^, and cooked foods should be thrown out if power wat; out for two or mure hours. Frozen foods that liavc thawed should be thrown away. Do not re-freeze thawed food. Throw away any food that 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 IcR in your building, Ifin doubt, throw it Ota. How should I daan the dustbin^ n^ai I move back in? The best way to remove dust is to use a w’et mg 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 ri with wet rags and mops. Dirty rags can be rinsed under runniug water, being careful to not leave diisl in the sink to diy. When done, used rags and mops should be put in plastic bags wlillc they are still wet and bags should be sealed and discarded. Cloth rags should te washed separately from other Ihundix'. Wash heavily soiled or dusty clothing or linens twice Remove lint from washing luacblnes and filters in the diyers wilh each laundry load. Rags Should nol be allowed to dry out before bagghig and disposal or washing To i«duce dust recirculation, (he Health Departnuait recommends using HEPA (high efiiciency peculate air) filtration vacuums when cleaning up apartments, if possible If a HEPA vacuum is not available, it is recommended that either HEPA bags or dust allergen bags be used with your regular vacuum. If these opuons urc not available, welting down the dust and removing it as described above is recommended Carpets and upholstcij can be shampooed and then vacinuned. If your apariniciii is very dusty, you should wash or HEPA vacuum your curlalns. If curtains need to be taken down, take (hem down slowly lo keep dust from circulating in the air. To clean plants, rinse leaves with water. Pets can be washed with running water from a hose or tauccl; (licir paws sliould be wiped to avoid tracking dust inside the home How can/remove dust/ram the air? Air purifiers may liclp reduce indoor dost levels. HEPA air purifiers ate superior to other models In filtering the smallest panicles. Air purifiers are only useful lor removing dust from the air. They will not remove dust already deposited on fioors, shelves, upholstery or rugs. Keq) windows closed when using an air purifier. Additional recoinmendatioiis include. Keqi outdoor dust from enteiing the home; Keep windows closed; Set (he air conditioner to re-cimilate air (closed vents), and dean or change die filler frequently; Remove shoes before entering the home for several days (once you first make sure there is no broken glass) Avoid sweeping or other outdoor maintenance.

For more inrurtuation, call the Health Department’s General infonuution Line at (212) 213 - 1M4 or visit our wcbsiie at nytRov/hcalth.

NYC-WTC_000149228