NYC-WTC_000199536

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

• Use a HEPA vacuum, HEPA bags or dust allergen bags with your regular vacuuri^ or • Keep windows closed when the air outdoors is dusty or smoky. • Remove shoes before entering your house especially if you’ve ' walked through dust or debris. • Dusty clothing should be bagged and washed separately. • Clean air-conditioner filter before turning it on.

Is it necessary to have my home or office tested for asbestos? First, homes or offices should be cleaned of dust and debris by following the recommendations in the NYC DOH’s Advisory Factsheet mentioned above. After cleaning, if a home owner or office building manager wants to have an indoor space tested, the environmental services section of the Yellow Pages can be a resource for certified environmental consultants. Consultants should be asked if they are certified to conduct asbestos testing and whether they do indoor air quality tests.

What are fine airborne particles (Respirable Particulate Matt^KPM) in the air?

The explosion at the World Trade Center released fine airborne particles (also called “respirable particulate matter”) into the air. Fine particulate matter comes mostly from combustion such as fires, exhaust from cars, trucks, buses and other vehicles, power plants, boilers and other operations that involve the burning of fuel. Particulate matter ranges in size from very small to larger particles. The most commonly measured sizes are PM 2.5 and PM 10 . PM 2.S refers to particles that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These particles are extremely small and therefore more likely to be inhaled deeper into the lungs. PM lo refers to larger particles that are 10 microns or less in diameter, and because of their larger size, do not travel as far into the lungs. Some particulate matter continues to be released from the World Trade Center site.

Ilshat are the health risks from fine airborne particles (Particulate Matter) Increased levels of fine airborne particles can cause eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, which can trigger coughing and sneezing. Such exposures may aggravate symptoms for persons with asthma or other underlying respiratory conditions. Symptoms should diminish once exposure ceases.

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