OSHA Asbestos Air Monitoring Summary, Financial District, Oct 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

11/01/2001 13:21 '33372375 OSHA REGION 2 PAGE 03/03

Ionizing Radiation: A survey of the rubble pile was conducted on 10/22-10/23 to checJc for latent radiation with particular attention to alpha radiation. Preliminary results show no elevated levels. Dioxins: The single sample taken by OSHA and analyzed by the EPA, representing exposure on the pile, showed elevated levels of dioxins. These levels were substantially hjMer than background levels but comparable to levels found by the EPA on the rubble pile. The dioxins found here are emitted from the on-going rubble fire. OSHA does not have a worker standard for dioxins. Dioxins are considered collectively as suspect human carcinogens. Some of the individual compounds are consiaered to be known human carcinogens. OSHA has taken seven additional samples which have been forwarded for analysis. OSHA is currently conducting additional sampling for dioxins and is coordinating with EPA, and Salt Lake City Analytical Laboratory to more fully characterize exposure and risk around the rubble pile. Polynucleated Aromatic Hydrocarbons: OSHA identified several elevated samples, three of which reached or exceeded OSHA’s coal tar pitch volatiles PEL of .2nig/m’' These personal samples were taken on tlie pile on iron workers and grappler operators. OSHA continues to strongly recommend the use of respiratory protection when working on the rubble pile. Tret)n R-22: In response to information about exposure to the combustion by-products of Freon 22 used in the air conditioning systems of WTC towers, OSHA conducted sampling for fluorides as HF. Results revealed non-detectable levels.

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