NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document
TJX
leanine Prudhomme - ATSDR^DHAC^v4c residential sampling outline.wpd
ATSDR_DHAC_wtc residential sampling outline.wpd rec’d 9/25/01 from
»> 'Wilder, Lynn" <[email protected]> 09/25/01 02:28PM »>
The attached are ATSDR/DHAC concepts on howto approach investigation the
indoor contaminant issue from the WTC incident. We look forward to working
with you on developing this plan and resolving this public health issue.
Lynn Wilder
«wtc residential sampling outline.wpd»
Recommendations for Sampling Buildings with Residential Use-CONCEPTS for use near WTC
DRAFT ATSDR/DHAC Version 1, Sept 25, 2001
I. Focus/Priorities of sampling
The selection of priority residential areas should be decided upon by NYC DOH, or by someone else on the
scene with the concurrence of NYCDOH. Selection needs to be based on worst-case scenario(s) first,
which will likely involve a visual determination (e.g., visible dust in lobby area, broken windows, dust
along roadways and sidewalks) . Likely worst-case residential areas would seem to be:
A. Residential areas closest (adjacent) to the WTC
B. Residential areas where contaminant track-in from debris fallout or from Search/
Rescue/Removal vehicles have spread dust
Once a few worst-case areas have been selected, then the suggested sampling approach (see II) can be I
pursued. If results of sampling in worst-case locations indicate no contaminants present at levels of health
concern, then residential sampling should be considered only on a case-by-case basis (e.g., citizen
complaint followed by a visual inspection).
If results in worst-case locations show contaminants at levels of concern, a thorough cleaning (these
instructions need to be developed) should follow and the locations should be re-sampled. If the
post-cleaning round of sampling indicates successful remediation, then prior to sampling any additional
residential locations (e.g., residential areas that also meet "worst case" or those on the tier below "worst
case") a thorough cleaning should be conducted. If post-sampling confirms that contaminants are below
levels of health concern, then as other residential areas are cleaned, post-cleaning sampling should only
occur periodically as a quality assurance check of cleaning effectiveness.
II. Sampling Approach
AT SDR suggests that sampling should focus on asbestos (PCM and PCMe), respirable silica, and
inhalable and respirable airborne particulate matter (TSP, PMIO, and PM2.5). Sampling should focus on
common/high traffic areas of the building (e.g., lobbies, front entryways). These areas should also be
representative of worst case conditions for contaminant track-in.
If the building is unoccupied, aggressive indoor air sampling should be conducted. If the building is
occupied, air sampling should be conducted with the building HVAC system in continuous operation.
Floor dust sampling should be conducted using EPA’s Environmental Response Team (ERT) SOP (HEPA
vacuum). Location of sample and area sampled are required information to be collected. Samples should
be analyzed for asbestos (via TEM as the detection limit for PLM is 1%); and respirable silica.
III. Action Levels
Action levels will be developed for silica, PM, and vacuum dust samples. A format similar to the
"ATSDR/CDC Asbestos Air Action Levels for World Trade Center Response" is anticipated.
NYC-WTC_000176051
OCR can misread numbers and units. Confirm readings against the page image before using them.