NYCDOH air quality fact sheet on WTC dust and health

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

DRAFT ■ H Yil' ■ ■- 'Yii ■! What is ParficuIate Matter? e. ’ J ! W rf .. ....... . . . P^iculate Matter ^|''p^icles found^in the air we breathe. Some can easily be seen and some can !

onlybe seen byamicroscope. It is itpportapt to note that all of these particles can be inhaled and may -J cause health pffect^S /

What recommendations should-I follow to protect my health? .. 1. People with respiratory (e.g., asthma) or heart disease, the elderly, and young children should' avoid prolonged exposure to dust and suspended particulates. If you home is contaminated with dust or suspended particulates as a result of the WTC collapse, you should consider relocating until the dust and suspended particulates have been removed.

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

3. Keep windows closed during hazy days or if dust is on the streets or entrances and/or smoke is in the air.

4. In dusty areas, minimize dust entering the home by leaving shoes outside or implementing a foot washing station for people and pets prior to entering.

5. Thoroughly wet dusty and sooty areas prior to clean-up. This will reduce the amount of PM becoming airborne. Wear the appropriate respiratory protection during clean-up activities.

6. Wash plants prior to moving them indoors that were on balconies, outdoor window sills, and roofs.

7. Replace or clean dirty air filters and set the air conditioner to re-circulate if indoor air is relatively dust-free. ! I I 8 A regular vacuum cleaner will clean dusty areas, furniture, and carpeting but some of the dust (esp. smaller particles) may re-suspend. Alternatively, using a High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) vacuum without a beater bar is a very effective method to clean and minimize resuspension of dust.

9. Clean roof-top and building air conditioning systems before use and assess duct work for signs of contamination.

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