NYC-WTC_000208421

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Sulfur: Sampling on grappler operators on the rubble pile, and on employees manning truck wash stations revealed trace levels of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. SO, results are pending.

Metals: As of 10/23/01 OSHA has taken 293 air samples to monitor worker exposures to dusts, fumes, oxides, and other compounds of metals such as antimony, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, vanadium, zinc, cadmium, magnesium, arsenic, and mercury. Results from these samples are generally well below the applicable OSHA limits. However, torch cutting and burning structural steel at the rubble pile have resulted in instances of overexposures as follows: copper (7); iron oxide (7); lead (3); and cadmium (3). Accordingly, OSHA is recommending that workers engaged in these operations wear appropriate respiratory protection

Ionizing Radiation: A survey of the rubble pile was conducted on 10/22-10/23 to check for latent radiation with particular attention to alpha radiation. Preliminary results show no elevated levels.

Dioxins: The single sample taken by OSHA and analyzed by the EPA, representing exposure on the pile, showed elevated levels of dioxins. These levels were substantially higher than background levels but comparable to levels found by the EPA on the rubble pile. The dioxins found here are emitted from the on­ going rubble fire. OSHA does not have a worker standard for dioxins. Dioxins are considered collectively as suspect human carcinogens. Some of the individual compounds are considered to be known human carcinogens. OSHA has taken additional samples which have all been forwarded for analysis. OSHA is coordinating with EPA, and Salt Lake City Analytical Laboratory to more fully characterize exposure and risk around the rubble pile.

Polynucleated Aromatic Hydrocarbons: OSHA identified several elevated samples, three of which reached or exceeded OSHA’s coal tar pitch volatiles PEL of .2mg/m^ These personal samples were taken on the pile on iron workers and grappler operators. OSHA continues to strongly recommend the use of respiratoiy protection when working on the rubble pile.

Freon R-22: OSHA has conducted sampling for Freon 22 and the sample results are pending. In response to information about exposure to the decomposition by­ products of Freon 22 used in the air conditioning systems of WTC to wers, sampling for hydrofluoric acid (HF) had been conducted. Results of the HF revealed non-detectable levels. Additionally, sampling for phosgene has also been conducted and the sample results are pending.

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