Fact sheet for routine home cleaning, NYC, Feb 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

V

Mayor’s Office of Environmental Coordination, New York City Department of Health, New York City Department of Environmental Protection Respond to the World Trade Center Disaster

FACT SHEET FOR ROUTINE CLEANING OF HOMES Revised 02/19/02

The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) caused dust, soot, ash, and other building materials to enter into some buildings and homes in the surrounding area. The dust, etc. generated by the collapse of the WTC is composed primarily of common building materials, which include components of concrete, silica, calcite, gypsum, mica, metals, fibrous glass (a type of man-made mineral fiber), and asbestos. Because cleanup work continues at the site, dust can still be a concern for some residents, making regular and frequent cleaning important for the safe occupancy of buildings in the lower Manhattan area. Dust can irritate your eyes, nose and throat. Dust can also cause cough, shortness of breath and wheezing in some people. The cleaning methods described in this fact sheet are appropriate for the routine removal of particulate and fibrous constituents of the dust. Additional information concerning the health effects of the dust constituents and the results of air monitoring being conducted by various governmental agencies may be found at the websites listed at the end of this fact sheet. The following information provides guidance to tenants and building owners on routine cleaning responsibilities and procedures.

Building Owner Responsibilities In September, building owners were advised to take the following steps prior to re-occupancy. Please refer to the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) links listed at the conclusion of this fact sheet for additional infonnation on initial entry and re-occupancy advisories.

• Assess dust-anti debris for possible hazardous material contamination, including asbestos; • Glean air-oii^ulatioH-systems-and water-tanks; Replace filters on air circulation systems and run system on recirculated air setting where possible; • Drain, flush, cle^’n, and refill open water tanks and flush plumbing systems; • Clean building grounds and exteriors, including rooftops; • Clean common indoor areas; and • Ensure that general building services such as heat, water, electric, and gas were provided.

Due to changing conditions and continued activity at the WTC site, building owners sho"’^ continue to:

• Periodically assess the condition of building exter systems for cleanliness; • Periodically re-clean areas where necessary;

NYC-WTC_000153285