DEP asbestos hotline Q&A regarding sampling results, Mar 2002

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Hotline Q & A Keywords 3/4/02

• Don’t we risk inhaling asbestos even if we wet clean and HEPAvac since the small fibers escape? Cleaning up small amounts of material using wet methods and HEPAvacs take into account the need to remove fibers of all sizes. A HEPAvac is designed to capture small fibers.

FIBERGLASS • When will the final results of the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) indoor air sampling be made available? What other substances besides asbestos and fiberglass are being analyzed? The final report on the indoor air sampling should be completed by April. Substances being analyzed in the air samples are asbestos, fibrous glass and particulate matter. Substances being analyzed in the dust samples include asbestos, fibrous glass, silica, mica, calcite, gypsum, and the pH of this material.

FILTERS (ALSO SEE HEPA FILTERS) • How often should air conditioners filt^ be replaced? This depends on the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. Residents should check the filters on a regular basis to determine whether they need replacement. They cannot be changed to often so please error on the side of caution and replace them frequently (once a month while debris cleanup is still occurring outdoors?)

FIRE ESCAPES • What can I do about buildings or building areas that have not been cleaned (roofs, window sills, fire escapes, lobbies, hallways)? What agency enforces building cleaning? We can take your contact information and information on the building of concern and provide it to DEP. DEP is the agency enforcing the cleaning requirements. These requirements for cleaning vary based on the hazard assessment.

GARDENS • Gardens, bushes, planters outside of buildings that have not been cleaned. Who is responsible for cleaning these? Route to DEP???

GYPSUM

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