NYC-WTC_000199812

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The sampling conducted on 18 September 2001 revealed that the concentrations of PCBs, PCDD/PCDFs (expressed as 2,3,7,8-TCDD Equivalents), and inorganic metals (excluding calcium) were generally low or below comparative background levels. However, the re Because these air samples were collected under passive conditions, any disturbance of this material could increase the airborne concentrations and potentially increase exposure to asbestos. The following recommendations can ensure proper cleanup of the asbestos- contaminated dust and reduce exposures of cleanup personnel and occupants returning to the building. Unless proven otherwise through testing, all dust should be assumed to be asbestos­ containing.

1) The dust oieanup siiould beconductedby an environmental contwetor withexpertise|jn asbeslos«mtomin«tion ©leannp-or reinediattEiB of hazanlous materials. Contractors selected for this work should be licensed by the proper authorities in the City of New York and/or the State of New York for asbestos or hazardous material cleanup activities. Individuals working for these companies should be properly trained by completing asbestos training courses certified by the New York State Department of Health and licensed for asbestos activities by the New York State Department of Labor. In lieu of this requirement, at a minimum, individuals should have Awareness Training in accordance with the OSHA Asbestos Standard, 29 CFR 1926.1101. The training should cover the potential exposures (such as asbestos and caustic irritant dust) that may be encountered during the activities, appropriate personal protective equipment, and work practices.

2) Individuals performing the dust cleanup should be equipped with proper personal protect!ve equipment to redirec exposure to as^stos-containing alkaline dust. This equipment should include the use of half-face air-purifying respirators that are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Note: The level of respiratory protection can be modified according to the conditions of worker exposure and the airborne level of asbestos. Respiratory protection should be provided in accordance with OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.134. Additionally, individuals should use protective clothing such as disposable coveralls or similar whole-body clothing including hoods, boots, and gloves.

3) To reduce dust recirculation, all surfaces (including those inside of cabinets, etc.) should be cleaned using vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters. The surfaces should

41

CITY_21MC100_006730129

NYC-WTC_000199859