DEP advisory to residents regarding WTC dust, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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Staff are working on ate in selected hospital emergency departments to assess event-related injury and illnesses which may occur subsequent to the World Trade Center disaster. To bolster the Department’s efforts. Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers from the U. S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are assisting in efforts to monitor diseases, conduct a medical and mental health needs assessment, identify health problems such as dust and allergic conditions, and to determine if there are any new medical needs. Testing done by the New York City Department of Health immediately after the blast showed no evidence of any biologic or chemical agents.

Elandling of Corpses While health risks associated with the handling of corpses by the rescue workers are low, the Department of Health has recommended the use of universal precautions when handling human remains. This includes wearing free shields, protective garments, and heavy duty rubber ^oves to prevent exposure to blood or body fluids, with attention to sharp fragments of bone and debris that can pose a risk of percutaneous injury. The decomposing remains of human bodies poses no environmental health risk to the general public.'

Water Quality The Health Department and the Department of Environmental Protection are monitoring water quality in the area around ground zero. Test results of the area north of blast zone are within acceptable limits, but tests are ongoing.

Food The Health Department has prioritized permitted food establishments below Canal Street for inspection so that they may be operation^ as soon as possible. Environmental investigators are working with restaurant owners and the operators of other permitted food establishments to ensure safely ofthe food served. Additionally, the Health Department is overseeing the distribution offood served to rescue workers at the blast zone.

Pest Control The Health Department is currently conducting a survey ofthe blast zone and the surrounding areas in lower Manhattan to assess the impact of the blast on rodent activity. Working in concert with other city agencies including the Mayor’s Office ofEmergency Management and the Department of Sanitation, Health Department crews will mobilize inspectors, exterminators, and clean-up crews to abate conditions conducive to rodent harborage, as necessary.

For more information, please visit the Health Department’s website (nyc.gov/hcalth). Fact sheets and public health advisories will be posted soon to address:

Coping with post-disaster grief and despair; Air quality in the affected area of the World Trade Center disaster; Re-occupation of evacuated residential areas.

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