DOH car interior protocols memo, October 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

NYC Health THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH (Based on Information Provided By the Automobile Association ofAmerica)

Information For Motorists Cars Exposed to Dust and Debris Motorists living near the World Trade Center disaster site will face some challenges getting their cars going after being subjected to the extreme levels of dust, dirt and soot in the area. The following tips are suggested:

1. Before starting the vehicle try to clean it as thoroughly as possible. Using a hose or repeated uses of a bucket, douse the vehicle with water to remove as much standing dirt as possible. Do not use a rag, brush or any scrubbing action. These will grind the abrasive dirt into the paint, ruining it. Only the physical action of the moving water should be used to remove heavy dirt. Then use very soapy water to wash the car. When clean, swirling patterns may be noticed in the finish if the vehicle was subjected to very heavy exposure. A professional compound job available at most auto shops should restore the luster.

2. Inspect the vehicle’s interior for heavy dust and dirt. If it was badly exposed, before starting the vehicle, vacuum the interior thoroughly (the use of vacuum cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filters is strongly recommended), paying extra attention to the dashboard and vents, particularly if the vehicle is a ”98 or newer model. New cars have lots of computer and electronic devices for controlling various functions located behind the dash that could be damaged by heavy dust.

3. Inspect the engine compartment under the hood of the vehicle. If it is very dusty, HEPA vacuum this area as well, paying close attention to the air intake, which can usually be identified as a bellows type of hose. If possible, disconnect the hose and vacuum it.

4. If the vehicle received extremely heavy exposure, after vacuuming you should change the air filter taking care not to dislodge any remaining dirt so that the engine might be contaminated. Inspect hoses, belts and pulleys for dirt and try to clean them as much as possible. In addition, open vehicle doors and turn on ventilation system. Leave vehicle and let run for 15 minutes to clean any dust or debris that may have entered system. Clean any dust or debris that may have been blown out.

5. Check the oil and coolant level before starting the engine. Also make sure the battery’s terminals are clean. Dirty terminals create extra resistance, putting more strain on the battery, which could be low since the vehicle has not run for some time.

6. Check tire pressure and add air if necessary, according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

7. When starting the vehicle, do not race the engine. Let it idle about five minutes. Observe the tailpipe to see if any strange looking vapors or material spew out. The engine may have ingested some dirt that will be discharged when first started. If strange noises are heard or smoke seen, shut the vehicle off and call a professional mechanic to inspect it.

8. Drive the vehicle slowly at first to make sure it’s operating correctly. If so, take the vehicle on a highway so the force of the air can help flush dust and dirt from under the hood and other areas. Only then should the ventilation system be used, first in the recirculation mode to prevent underhood dust from entering the passenger compartment. After five or ten minutes, switch the ventilation system to bring in outside air.

9. As soon as possible, change the oil and oil filter. Any dust or dirt that may have entered the engine will settle in the oil, which must be removed to prevent internal engine damage

NYC Dept, of Health/AAA September 30, 2001

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