NYC-WTC_000208398

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

THE CITY OF NEW YORK Sa® DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Rudolph W. Giuliani Neal L. Cohen, M.D. Moyor Commissioner

November 7, 2001

To whom it may concern:

The New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are jointly implementing an ambient and indoor air sampling plan for public health evaluations of residential areas near the World Trade Center (WTC).

The overall objective of this sampling is to obtain results from which public health agencies can further determine the potential for environmental exposures to WTC collapse-related materials and possible health implications of the exposures. The specific focus of the sampling will be to characterize the make-up and size distribution of settled dust and airborne breathing zone dust in residential areas - both indoors and outside - near the WTC.

A limited number of residential buildings will be selected for evaluation. In most buildings, two residential units, one common space, and the exterior will be sampled. Units selected should be those that were among the most impacted in the building. We will specifically be sampling for the following parameters in air; asbestos, particles of varying sizes, and silica. Dust samples will also be collected and analyzed for asbestos, silica, mica, fiberglass, gypsum, calcite, magnesium, and pH.

The sampling will be conducted over the course of a single day. Sample results will be provided to the individual residents and to building management. Your willingness to participate in this critical public health sampling plan is greatly appreciated and will assist in evaluating potential health implications to residents around the WTC.

Any questions you may have regarding the Indoor Sampling Plan can be directed to Christopher D’Andrea, MS ofNYCDOH at (212) 788-4290 or (212) 788-4285.

Sincerely,

.^ssica Leighton, PhD Assistant Commissioner Environmental Risk Assessment and Communication

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NYC-WTC_000208398