Air quality particulate matter guidance, NYC, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

For fine particles (PMj 5), the level of concern is 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air (^ig/mQ, for a 24-hour average exposure. For fine and coarse particles combined (PM^), the level of concern is 150 //g/m\ for a 24-hour average exposure.

Although total suspended particulate (TSP) is not included in the Air Quality Index, New York State estimates a screening level (i.e., a level requiring further evaluation) to be 250 /2g/m\ for a 24-hour average exposure.

While there are State and Federal standards for selected particles in outdoor air and workplace, there are no standards for particles in residential settings, nor do we have a good characterization of what a “background” or average concentration would be. This is because there are many human and household factors that can dramatically influence air concentrations of particles in the home. The range of activities that can introduce particles into the air (e.g. smoking, cooking with natural gas, candle and incense burning, and cleaning) coupled with a home’s ventilation status (which could remove or introduce particles) will determine airborne particle concentrations in a home at a specific time.

Recommendations:

The Environmental Assessment Workgroup is providing the following recommendations to help people reduce their exposure to particulate matter and make well-informed decisions about their health.

1. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and young children, should avoid prolonged exposure to dust and suspended particles.

When dust and smoke are present outdoors, limit time outdoors. Avoid physical exertion, indoors or outdoors, when dust or smoke levels are high. Consult with your physician to determine if you should be cleaning up any dust from the WTC that may have entered your home. If you have symptoms of heart or lung disease, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, palpitations or unusual fatigue, contact your physician. If you have asthma, bronchitis or other lung diseases, or cardiovascular disease make sure you have adequate medication on hand. In addition, if you have asthma,'follow your asthma management plan.

2. People having symptoms (including those who have not been diagnosed with respiratory or heart disease), such as shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty taking a full breath, painful breathing or persistent cough, should contact a physician. Be aware that onset of symptoms can appear even 24 to 48 hours after exposure.

3. In the home, car and workplace, keep windows and doors closed during hazy days or if dust is on the streets or entrances and/or smoke is in the air. If you are using your air conditioner or heater use the recycle/recirculate mode. Inspect and change air filters and air conditioning filters as needed. When the air quality improves, you should open up and air out your homes.

4. If your home has dust or suspended particles as a result of the WTC collapse, you should consider steps to minimize your exposure. If you decide to clean the dust yourself, the following suggestions can help to reduce the opportunities for dust to re-enter the air. Additional information can be obtained from EPA’s indoor air quality website at http://www.epa.gov/iaq.

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