NYC-WTC_000209427

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

•* UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460

OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

MEMORANDUM

DATE: June 9, 2002

SUBJECT: TESTING CARPET, THE ASBESTOS RESERVOIR

— Best test for carpels; EPA ultrasonication method

— No consultants needed; only cost is the lab fee

— EPA shows HEPA vacuuming does not remove asbestos

— EPA and other asbestos dust benchmarks/safety levels

FROM: Cate Jenkins, Ph.D.’ [email protected] V^aste Identification Branch (Mail Code 5304 W) Hazardous Waste Identification Division

TO: Affected Parties and Responsible Officials

This memorandum describes EPA’s ultrasonication test method for dust in carpets and woven fabrics. This state-of-the-art test gives results as the number of asbestos structures per square centimeter (s/cm^). The results can then be related to background levels and safety guidelines. A major advantage in this test is that you do not need a consultant or industrial hygienist to take samples.

Carpets and other woven fabrics are reservoirs for asbestos and are a source of continued release. EPA studies show that carpet cannot be decontaminated with any type of HEPA vacuuming, even in combination with water or steam extraction.

There is no reason why EPA should not be offer this superior test to residents during the free testing and cleanup of residences below Canal Street, especially since this is an established EPA method specially designed for carpets.

The conclusions and opinions in this memorandum are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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NYC-WTC_000209427