Draft article on residential apartment cleaning program, Oct 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Article on Residential Clean-up Page 2 of2

Contractors to Conduct Thorough Testing and Cleanup Some dust from the WTC collapse has been shown to contain asbestos and other contaminants. EPA believes this action oriented cleanup and testing program will reduce the risk of possible long-term exposure and related health effects.

EPA contractors will thoroughly test and clean the interiors of apartments and common spaces, such as hallways, stairwells, lobbies and elevator shafts (if requested). Rugs, carpets, curtains, drapes, upholstered furnishings and all hard surfaces, including walls, floors and shelves, will be cleaned with HEPA filter vacuums. Contractors also will clean balconies or terraces, window guards and smoke alarms. Individual air conditioners will be cleaned in place, and the EPA will seek the building owner's/manager's permission to evaluate the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems.

To ensure the indoor air is clean, EPA will test for asbestos after cleanups are completed, as well as in residences where people want testing without cleaning. Most residences will be cleaned in about two days, and testing for asbestos will take an additional day.

How to Sign Up To request cleanup and/or testing, sign up on the EPA's website or call the toll-free hotline at 1-877-796-5471. Names and addresses will not be made public. Residents can check on the status of their requests by checking the EPA website or calling the toll-free hotline. (You will be asked for the confirmation number given to you at the time of your request.)

Homes south of Canal, Allen and Pike Streets are eligible Program Gives Extra Assurance There's no need to be concerned that initial cleanup efforts, including wet wiping, wet mopping and using HEPA filter vacuums, were insufficient. EPA is offering professional testing and cleanup services to provide an added level of assurance that residences have been properly cleaned.

Beware Phony Contractors Beware of people who falsely claim to be contractors working on the EPA's Lower Manhattan Dust Cleanup Program. The names of the contractors selected by EPA can be found on the EPA website, the EPA's WTC Email Notification Service and through community organizations and the news media.

The contractors will be able to provide your confirmation number (the number you receive when signing up for assistance) as proof they are legitimate. Do not reveal your confirmation number to anyone who claims they need it. EPA, the City and their contractors will never ask you for this number.

If you have additional questions regarding the EPA Residential Dust Cleanup Program, visit the EPA website for the answers to frequently asked questions.

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