DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

NYC Recommendations for Motorists in the Area Affected by the World Trade Center Disa Page 1 of 3

New York City Department of Health Responds to the World Trade Center Disaster

Recommendations for Motorists in the Area Affected by the World Trade Center Disaster. Motorists living near the World Trade Center disaster site may face some challenges getting their cars cleaned and started if they were exposed to heavy levels of dust and soot from the collapse of the Twin Towers. Motorists are advised to clean the car's interior and exterior, as well as clean and inspect the engine, before starting their cars.

My car appears structurally damaged. What should I do? If your car was parked near the World Trade Center on September 11 and it was structurally damaged, contact your insurance company. You should have your car towed from the area, inspected, and if necessary, repaired by a licensed mechanic.

My car is not structurally damaged. How should I clean the exterior of my car if it is covered with dust? Make sure that the windows and doors are closed. Wet down the exterior of the car with a hose or repeated uses of a bucket; douse the vehicle with water to remove as much dust as possible.

Do not use a rag, brush or any scrubbing action. This will grind the abrasive dust into the paint, and possibly ruin it. Only the physical action of the moving water should be used to remove dust. Next, use very soapy water to wash the car. When clean, swirling patterns may be noticed in the finish if the vehicle was subjected to very heavy exposure. A professional compound job available at most auto shops should restore the luster.

How can I protect n^selffrom exposure to dust while cleaning the interior of my car? If there are high levels of dust inside the car, wear a dust mask, preferably one that is double-banded. Make sure to use clean-up techniques that do not generate dust, such as wetting down the dust with water or using a HEPA (high efficiency particle air) vacuum, which will reduce dust recirculation.

How do I clean the interior of my car? First, vacuum the interior of the car with a HEPA vacuum. If a HEPA vacuum is not available, a conventional or shop vacuum can be used, preferably with a HEPA or allergy bag. A conventional or shop vacuum should not be used in a garage or closed area without adequate ventilation.

After vacuuming, wipe the interior of the car with soap and water using disposable rags or sponges. Pay extra attention to the dashboard and vents, particularly if the vehicle is a 1998 model or newer. New cars have many computer and electronic devices located behind the dashboard that could be damaged by heavy dust. Place wet rags or sponges in plastic bags and dispose of while still wet.

Should I inspect the engine before starting the car?

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