NYC Department of Health WTC draft press release, February 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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- - Page Two - - potential health hazards of some substances is not available. It is not possible to know with certainty whether there will be long-term health consequences.”

“DOH recognizes residents’ concerns and will continue to work closely with local. State and Federal agencies to monitor air quality and to inform the public of findings as soon as results are available. Additionally, DOH has been working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a protocol for a World Trade Center Registry, which would generate and maintain a database that can provide a more complete picture of short- and long-term health and mental health impacts among the affected populations,” Dr. Frieden concluded.

The Sampling Plan At the request of DOH, ATSDR conducted indoor air tests in 59 apartments in 30 geographically representative buildings in lower Manhattan in November and December 2001. Testing was also conducted in four buildings above 59* Street not impacted by migrating dusts from the World Trade Center site to provide information on the background level of various substances present indoors in New York City. Using widely accepted testing methods, the agency looked for several materials that could potentially cause short and long-term health problems. Each set of tests included samples for air and for settled dust, and these samples were analyzed for fiber-like materials - asbestos, fibrous glass - and for other particles including silica, gypsum, mica, and calcite.

A comprehensive report on this testing will be available this spring. However, if results of public health significance are found, they will be released to the public as soon as they become available. Results of outdoor sampling since September 11 for air, water, and dust - including asbestos and particulate matter - are posted on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, epa.gov, and can also be found on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website at nyc.gov/dep. WTC-related information can also be found at the New York City Department of Health's Web site at nyc.gov/health.

Health Information about Asbestos and Fiberglass Exposure to asbestos is associated with asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and cancer. The risk of developing these diseases depends on the level (dose) and the length of time exposed (duration). The likelihood of developing disease from limited, short-term, low-level exposure is low. There is no test that can indicate whether an individual has been exposed to asbestos. In the occupational setting, where the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure can be greater, there is a higher risk to workers. Workers need to use the correct protective equipment to reduce exposure.

Exposure to some forms of fiberglass can cause cough, eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation. Long­ term health effects associated with fibrous glass are not known and standards for measurement of fibrous glass in environmental samples are not well established. Although fiberglass is classified as a possible carcinogen, recent studies of more than 30,। industrial workers who worked with fiberglass found no conclusive evidence of an increased risk of cancer.

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