Fact Sheet for Routine Home Cleaning, WTC Area, Feb 2002

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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 02/15/02

The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) caused a large amount of 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 comprised 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 coughing, 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 conclusion 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 information on initial entry and re-occupancy advisories.

• Assess dust and debris for hazardous material contamination, including asbestos; • Clean air circulation systems and water tanks; • Clean building grounds and exteriors, including rooftops; • Clean common indoor areas; and • Ensure that gene.al building services such as heat, water, electric, and gas were p ovided.

Due to changing conditions and continued activity at the WTC site, building owners should continue to: I I • Periodically assess the condition of building exteriors and air conditioning II systems for cleanliness; i • Periodically re-clean areas where necessary; ! • Discuss building-related cleaning concerns with tenants and determine mutually i satisfactory resolutions; • Provide tenants information on how buildings were initially assessed and cleaned;

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