PCDD/PCDF wipe sample report, PS 234M, Feb 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

104 East 25th St

(SftTC ASSOCIATES INC. New York, New York 10010 www.atc-enviro.com 212.353.B280 Fax 212.353.8306

February 20, 2002

Mr. Bernard P. Orlan Director, Environmental Health & Safety New York City Board of Education 28-11 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101-4008

Re: Wipe Samples for Dioxin Public School 234M ATC Project No. 15-19125-0279

Dear Mr. Orlan:

ATC Associates Inc. (ATC) is pleased to provide this report of the results of the wipe samples for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) collected on January 22, 2002, at the referenced location. The New York City Board of Education (BOE) requested these samples to evaluate possible contamination in the school building per the recommendation of Environ Corp., consultant to the parents association..

SCOPE OF WORK

Wagdi Abdelshahid, Industrial Hygienist of ATC’s New York City office, collected the samples on all three days.

The samples were collected using gauze pads and hexane as a solvent. The pads and solvent were provided and samples were analyzed by Pace Analytical Services, Inc. (Pace) of Minneapolis, MN, a laboratory experienced in dioxin analysis. The analysis was performed by modified EPA Method 8290 using combined capillary column gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry.

The sampling was performed consistent with generally accepted industrial hygiene practices. There were inherent limitations created by constraints of time, operational and work practice variability, variations in contaminant concentrations, and sampling and analytical accuracy. The results of the sampling represent conditions found on the dates the samples were collected.

SUBSTANCE DESCRIPTION

“Dioxins” or “dioxin” is a name used for a group of chlorinated multi-ringed organic compounds that includes polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs). They are related to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCDDs and PCDFs are not produced commercially except for research purposes. They occur as trace level by-products of combustion and industrial chemical processes. Combustion of PCB-containing oils, such as during an electrical transformer fire, is known to produce dioxins. Burning of some plastics may also produce dioxins. Dioxins are toxic and are considered to be carcinogenic.

CONFIDENTIAL, CITY_21MC100_0 03444480 SUBJECT TO PROTECTIVE ORDER NO. 2, SEPT. 2008

NYC-WTC_000177811