WTC environmental investigation report, Sep 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Final Technical Report of the Public Health Investigation Page 36 of 56 previously, childhood exposures present a greater lifetime risk due to longer residence time in the lung. This is demonstrated for asbestos where an exposure with onset at 1-year old presents a greater risk than an exposure at age 18 (10). Finally, because they are shorter than adults, children breathe air that is closer to the ground, and they may play in contaminated areas, creating situations where they are impacted more by materials in soil or dust.

Children and adults with pre-existing medical conditions may be more susceptible. Many of the materials found in the areas sampled have irritant effects on skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract. Individuals with pre-existing allergic and cardiopulmonary diseases may be more sensitive to the effects of exposure to this dust. One of the most clinically important and frequent responses of the airways to dust and irritant exposures is bronchoconstriction. Therefore, individuals with pre-existing asthma are much more likely to develop bronchoconstriction in response to exposure to dust particles, fibers, and irritants.

Obstructive lung disease and other respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders are factors for increased sensitivity. Any individuals in lower Manhattan who received a large dose of dust during or immediately following the WTC collapse may also be more sensitive. Anyone who has been experiencing respiratory symptoms since the collapse should consult their physician for proper treatment.

Individuals who smoke are at greater risk. Smoking can reduce lung function and may cause pulmonary disease that would make individuals more sensitive. Additionally, smoking has been shown to synergistically increase the risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposures. Smoking also increases the risk of developing lung cancer in workers exposed to crystalline silica (e.g., quartz).

Although possible skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritants, the soluble minerals gypsum, portlandite, and calcite do not pose any hazard for long-term health effects.

2. Soluble Minerals: Gypsum, Portlandite, and Calcite

The potential health effects of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate), portlandite (calcium hydroxide), and calcite (calcium carbonate) are similar as these minerals are similar chemically and physically. All three minerals are crystalline in form and soluble (11,12). Because these minerals are soluble in

body fluid, they are easily cleared from the respiratory tract and

lungs when inhaled (13,14,15). Therefore, no long-term respiratory effects have been observed, even at the very high exposures that occur during the mining and processing of these minerals (16,17).

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gOv/asbestos/lowermanhattan/ResSamp_Sep2002_Text.htinl 07/18/2003 NYC-WTC_000178423