OSHA Asbestos Monitoring Report, WTC Site, Sept 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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Asbestos Monitoring at the WTC Site

(September 13 - 23, 2001)

Financial District OSHA has taken approximately 40 air and bulk samples in the Financial District (the location east of Broadway and south of John Street). Results ranged from "non-detected" to 0.041 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Further analysis showed all fibers to be non-asbestos. Results showed levels consistent with safe and acceptable standards. OSHA ceased sampling in the Financial District on Sept. 21.

Warm Zone A 90-sguare block surrounding the World Trade Center complex and plaza has been designated a secure area with controlled access. It extends south of Chambers Street, west to Broadway, south to Rector Street and east to near the Hudson River. OSHA continues to collect samples; more than 150 bulk and air samples were taken in the "Warm Zone" through Sept. 23. Asbestos levels remain safe and consistent, ranging from 0.0013 f/cc to 0.086 f/cc.

Hot Zone/Rubble Pile What has come to be known as "ground zero", the hot zone is the World Trade Center complex area itself. It includes the remains of both WTC towers, 7 WTC, and other partially collapsed buildings.

During this time period, OSHA took 49 air samples and five bulk samples in the hot zone. Results showed levels ranging from 0.004 to 0.114 f/cc. (NOTE: The 0.114 level was taken on a skid-steer operator over a two-hour period working directly on the rubble pile).

All sampling has resulted in what OSHA considers safe levels of exposure; still, the agency Is recommending workers in the immediate area of the rubble pile wear respirators. OSHA continues to conduct monitoring for asbestos throughout the warm and hot zones. Results will be posted periodically on this page.

A grid map showing specific sample locations in New York is being developed and will be accessible shortly via the asbestos air monitoring link on OSHA's home page.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for asbestos is 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Action Level is 0.05 f/cc

Excursion Limit(or short-term exposure limit) is 1 f/cc over a 30-minute period.________ (NOTE: For more information on environmental monitoring in New York, see the Environmental Protection Agency's website at httD://www.eDa.gov).

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