Advisory for commercial building re-occupancy, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Exposure to inhaled asbostos primarily affects the lungs. The risk of lung disease from the inhalation of asbestos fibers depends on the intensity and duration of exposure. In general, lung disease has resulted from intense asbestos exposure experienced over a period of many years, primarily in occupational settings. The risk of developing an asbestos-related iilnes.5 following an exposure of short duration is low. hb.1 b- City, State and Federal agencies have conducted d^ samples and air samples since the World Trade Center collapse. Though most of the samples have no athe-^tQ^sorpe have found very small amounts of asbestos. Tffejcagencles h3ve<cneludcd-that tho-dusi-is^^to.treat ar<iiBZaud5M“doernot-nced4©4)c hgnril nd-as-a.ha7jnrdf>u.<; Even Still, because the dust is veiy fine, the Department of Health is recommending that every effort be made to not let the dust get auixiroc

fftnv should I dean my apartment when I move back in?

The best way to remove dust is to use a wet rag or wet mop. Sweeping with a dry broom is not recommcnOeU because it can make dust airborne again. "Where UuSi is diick, you can directly wet the dust with water, and remove it layers widi wet rags and mops. Dirty rags can be rinsed under running water, being careful to not leave dust in the sink to dry. 'Alien done, used rags and mops should be put in plastic bags while they are still wet and bags should be sealed and discarded (cloth rags can be washed, see instructions below). Rags should not be allowed to dry Out before bagging and disposal or washing.

Because the dust particles are so small standard vacuuming is not an efficient way to remove the dust and K\ may put dust back into the air where it can be inhaled. HEPA (high efficiency paiticulatb)r®idiency____- ---- filtration vacuums (i.e, HEPA vacuums) capable of trapping very fine particles are prefeiW They are now widely available in stores and may be shared by more than one family. If a HEPA vacuum is not available, it is recommended that either HEPA bags or dust allergen bags be used with your regular vacuum.

Carpets and upholstery can be shampooed and then vacuumed.

If your apartment is very dusty, you should wash or HEPA vacuum your curtains. Be careful if taking them down to prevent dispersion of dust in the air.

To clean plants, nnsc leaves with water. Pets can be washed with running water from a hose or faucet; their paws should be wiped to avoid tracking dust mside the home.

Ifaw can Irenuwe dustfrom the air?

Air purifiers may help reduce indoor dust levels. HEPA air purifiers are superior to other models in filtering the smallest particles. Air purifiers are only useful for removing dust ^m the air. They will not remove dust already deposited on floors, shelves, upholstery’ or rugs Keep windows closed when using an air purifier.

Additional precautions include:

Avoid sweeping or other outdoor maintenance, Keep dust from entering the home; Keep tvindows closed; Set the air conditioner to re-circulate air (closed vents), and clean or change the filter frequently; Remove shoes before entering the home for several days (once you first make sure there is no broken glass)

Ifo 1 need to wash all my clothes and linen?

Dusty clothes should be washed separately from other clothing. Wash heavily-soiled or dusty clothing or linens twice Remove lint from washing machines and filters in the dryers with each laundry load.

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