Draft fact sheet for home cleaning, Feb 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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

FACT SHEET FOR CLEANING HOMES Revised 02/6/02 DRAFT 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. 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 following information provides guidance to tenants and building owners on cleaning responsibilities and procedures.

Building Owner Responsibilities In September, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Health (DOH) advised building owners regarding building maintenance and re­ occupancy issues. The steps to be taken prior to re-occupying buildings included the cleaning of air circulation systems and water tanks as well as assessing building contamination for possible hazardous components, including asbestos. Building owners are responsible for the cleaning of building exteriors, including rooftops, grounds, and common indoor areas as well as the provision of general building services (e.g. heat, water, electric, gas, etc.). Due to changing conditions and continued activity at the WTC site, building owners should periodically assess the condition of building exteriors and air conditioning systems for cleanliness and may have to periodically re-clean areas. Proper methods for cleaning should be followed.

The DEP has determined that minimal dust accumulations (a light coating) can be cleaned using n:-fwpPA) filters. The use of wet cleaning methods and HEPA vacuuming described in this fact sheet will greatly minimize a person’s risk of exposure. The DEP should be contacted for indoor or outdoor dust accumulations greater than a minimal amount and/or where concerns about asbestos exist.

The DOH urges building owners to discuss building-related cleaning concerns with tenants. Building owners should provide residents with information concerning the steps that have been taken to ensure that the appropriate actions have been performed, including the results of any testing performed and the nature and extent of cleaning performed.

Tenant Responsibilities Many aspects of the general advisements issued in September also apply to tenants. Tenants are

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