E-mails 2002 M. Gilsenan

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

( Health THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH

Consent for Release of Information and Access to Property for Environmental Sampling

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York City Department of Health (DOH) are conducting an investigation to determine the level, if any, of seven substances (dioxin, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, ceramic fibers, fibrous glass, asbestos, and silica) in the air and in settled dust in residential buildings in upper Manhattan. Residential buildings in lower Manhattan, especially those close to the World Trade Center (WTC) site, may have these seven substances present at elevated levels because of the WTC collapse. Determining the amount of these seven substances in upper Manhattan will establish the background levels of these substances in New York City. Participation in this investigation is voluntary. Your participation will help to determine whether the cleaning of apartments in lower Manhattan has reduced the level of these substances to the background level.

This investigation involves collecting indoor environmental samples (air and settled surface dust) from your property. Sample collection will be conducted by persons authorized by EPA, and will be done with a small vacuum cleaner, by wiping various surfaces, and by an air pump with an attached filter. An oscillating fan will run throughout the sampling period to maintain air circulation.

Sample collection will probably be completed in a single 10-hour day, but an additional visit(s) may be needed. Sampling personnel shall remain at each site for the entire sampling event. You will be free to come and go at will, and when you are present during the sampling, you may freely move about your home. You will be requested not to smoke, burn candles or incense, fry foods or perform any other activities that produce smoke. You will be requested not to do any cleaning during the day when sampling is taking place.

You have the right to request photo identification from all persons who gain access to your property for the purpose of sample collection.

Results

Upon completion of this investigation, EPA and DOH will prepare a written report that discusses the findings. The report will be available to the public but will not contain your name or your apartment number.

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