Air quality particulate matter guidance, NYC, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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Based upon their ability to cause adverse health effects, the EPA has set levels of concern for particulate matter, as part of EPA’s Air Quality Index. Currently EPA has a set such levels for airborne particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smallerf PM,o), and for fine particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2 5). It is important to note that even in environments where fine and coarse particles are below these levels of concern, some people may still experience eye, nose, and throat irritation due to the presence of other substances such as larger particles or irritating gases.

It is possible that PM from the WTC fire and collapse could have entered homes. Indoor air quality may have been affected by the WTC fire and collapse even if the windows and doors were closed since smaller particles can enter through very small openings and cracks. Additionally, settled dust can be re-suspended into the air during routine activities, and it can also be tracked inside from outdoors by people, pets, and other activities. Therefore, if dust is in the home (e.g., on the couch, floors, counter tops, etc...), people should pay particular attention to the recommendations regarding: 1) cleaning the home, 2) checking the air conditioning and heating system, and 3) ways to prevent tracking dust indoors.

Health Effects of Particulate Matter:

3. Dust and smoke may irritate healthy people's eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and might cause more serious problems in sensitive populations. Because dust and smoke are mixtures of'different chemicals with different sizes, not everyone will experience the same effects. Most healthy adults and children will recover quickly from the symptoms of short-term dust and smoke exposures and will not likely suffer long-term consequences. 4. Certain sensitive populations, listed below, are susceptible to more serious problems, including cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, increased asthma attacks, and aggravation of respiratory or cardiovascular disease. • Individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases. Levels of pollutants that might not affect healthy people might cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma or other chronic lung diseases, especially children. Individuals with emphysema and chronic bronchitis may also experience a worsening of their conditions because of exposure to dust and smoke. Studies have linked particulate matter pollution to increased risk of hospitalizations for respiratory disease, asthma attacks, and respiratory mortality. • Individuals with cardiovascular disease. People with heart disease might also experience symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness. Studies have also linked particulate pollution to increased risk of hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, and cardiovascular mortality. • The elderly. The elderly are more likely to have preexisting lung and heart diseases, and therefore are more susceptible to health effects from exposure to particle pollution. • Children. Healthy children are sensitive to air pollution and more susceptible to pollution than ’ healthy adults. Studies have shown that in children, particulate pollution is associated with increased episodes of coughing and difficulty breathing, and decreased lung function.

3. In communicating to the public about levels of concern for concentrations of particulate matter in outdoor air, EPA uses the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is composed of categories that represent different levels of air quality. EPA provides recommendations to the public about steps to reduce exposure above levels of concern for sensitive groups and the general public. When values are above these levels, it is recommended that members of sensitive groups reduce their exposure. Exposure to elevated concentrations of particles for periods of time less than a day are also of potential concern for sensitive groups.

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