NYC Department of Health WTC draft press release, February 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Health OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 125 WORTH STREET, ROOM 329 NEW YORK, N.Y. 10013 (212)295-5335/5336 FAX: (212)941-2156 nyc.gov/health THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH THOMAS R. FRIEDEN, MD, MPH SANDRA MULUN Commissioner Assodcae Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Greg Butler Tuesday, February 5,2002 (212) 295-5335/5336; (877) 640-1347 NYC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PRESENTS FINDINGS FROM INDOOR AIR SAMPLING TO RESIDENTS OF BUILDINGS IN LOWER MANHATTAN

Analysis ofAir Samples Taken from Residential Buildings in Lower Manhattan Indicates No Elevation ofAsbestos in Air; Low Levels ofAsbestos Found in Surface Samplesfrom Some Buildings; As Expected, Fiberglass Also Detected in Dust

As part of an ongoing effort to assess the environmental impact of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster and to respond to public health concerns, the New York City Department of Health (DOH) requested assistance from the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct air tests inside and in the immediate grounds outside thirty residential buildings in lower Manhattan. Asbestos is a health hazard when it is airborne; in no instance was an elevated level of asbestos found in the air samples taken from these buildings.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor air testing, dust samples were also taken from inside apartments, common areas (e.g., hallway, lobby), and outdoor areas of the buildings. Test results from some of the buildings showed low levels of asbestos on the floor of the lobby and on the ground outside. Results from the testing for other materials are not yet complete but preliminary results indicate that fibrous glass (fiberglass) was also present in settled dust samples.

Letters are being sent to building owners and residents informing them of these findings and reminding them of DOH’s cleaning recommendations. Because work continues at the WTC site, residents and building owners in the area are advised to continue to follow cleanup instructions. These include using a wet mop, damp cloth or a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum to clean dust from hard surfaces. HEPA vacuums should be used to clean carpets, upholstery, and other materials that cannot be cleaned by wet wiping. To prevent the recirculation of dust, residents were again advised not to sweep with “dry” brooms, use dusters, or use vacuums without an approved HEPA filter. Additionally, since work continues at the World Trade Center site, all residents were advised to avoid carrying dust into their buildings from outdoors (e.g., by taking off shoes, etc).

New York City Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH said, “Since the collapse of the World Trade Center, an event that resulted in the release of large amounts of dust and airborne substances, some residents of lower Manhattan have experienced short-term health problems such as cough, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. The data from air quality tests thus far have been reassuring. All of the testing done to date has not shown results that would indicate long-term health impacts. However, conclusive scientific knowledge about the - - More - -

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