World Trade Center Disaster Info.

Information for Residents of Lower Manhattan

As part of an ongoing effort to assess the impact of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) in collaboration with federal authorities conducted tests of air quality in 30 residential buildings in lower Manhattan.

A total of 117 air samples were taken in 30 buildings in lower Manhattan and analyzed for airborne fibers. Samples were taken inside residences, in common areas within residential buildings, and outside of the buildings. The tests examined samples of both air and dust. The air samples from inside the buildings showed no elevated levels of asbestos. The air sampling results for fibrous glass (fiberglass) are not yet available. The dust showed low levels of asbestos in some samples and the presence of fiberglass in other samples. The potential for exposure to these materials depends not only on their concentration in the dust but also on the amount of dust that is present. Asbestoes and fiberglass can pose a health risk if dust accumulates and particles become airborne. While these findings are not unexpected, they underscore the importance of proper cleaning to reduce dust.

The analysis of 98 dust samples for asbestos taken from the inside and outside of residential buildings in lower Manhattan indicated that while 20% were above background levels, only two samples which were taken from outdoors required abatement. Professional abatement work was completed in these areas.

Samples taken from inside and outside of residential buildings in lower Manhattan were also analyzed for fibrous glass. Fibrous glass was detected in 43 of the 98 dust samples taken. The results of air sampling for fibrous glass, and for air and surface testing of other materials, are not yet available.

DOHMH is holding community meetings in association with Manhattan Community Board No. 1 to discuss the findings of this study and to address the concerns of lower Manhattan residents. Meetings will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday, February 12th and 13th from 6:30 to 7:45 P.M. Tuesday's meeting will take place at the Battery Park City Community Room, 21 South End Avenue (behind Gristedes supermarket) in lower Manhattan; Wednesday's meeting will be held at 40 Worth Street in lower Manhattan. Any residents of lower Manhattan who would like to arrange additional meetings with DOHMH officials through their tenant or other community organizations should contact DOHMH at (212) 341-9810.

Because work continues at the WTC site, these findings reinforce the importance of following recommendations for cleaning in and around the home:

• Clean frequently to reduce dust.
• Avoid carrying dust into your building from outdoors. While work continues at the World Trade Center site, wet wipe/remove shoes and wet wipe pets' paws before re-entering your residence.
• Prevent settled dust from being reintroduced into the air by ensuring proper dust cleanup:
1. Use a wet/damp cloth or wet/damp mop to clean surfaces.
2. Use a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) vacuum to clean dust from carpets, upholstery, and other materials that cannot be cleaned by wet wiping.
3. Floors or surfaces with a light visible dust accumulation can be HEPA vacuumed first then wet wiped/mopped using the procedure stated above. This step can help reduce the amount of dust stirred up.
4. Do not sweep with "dry" brooms, use dusters, or use vacuums without an approved HEPA filter.
5. Dispose of materials properly: Place used items in plastic bags while wet ( then dispose in trash. Wash water used for cleaning should be disposed of in the sink or toilet. Cloths and mops can be reused or disposed of after use. If reused, dirty mop heads and cleaning cloths should be washed separately from regular laundry. Wash mops and cloths after each use. Handling dry dirty cloths/mops can reintroduce dust in the air.
• Protect yourself: Because dust can accumulate on your hands during cleaning, and since fiberglass can be irritating to the skin, eyes, nose and throat, you can take steps to reduce potential irritant effects while cleaning by:
  
  1. Wearing rubber gloves or work gloves.
  2. Washing your hands after cleaning, before eating, drinking, smoking, and using the bathroom.
  3. Consider removing contact lenses prior to cleanup.
• Outdoor surfaces with small accumulations of dust may also be cleaned by HEPA vacuuming or wet wiping if the surface type allows. When cleaning outdoor areas such as terraces, be careful to prevent dust and other materials from falling to the sidewalk or properties below.
• If you do not have a HEPA vacuum, ask your building management company if they have a HEPA vacuum you can use. HEPA vacuums are available at most retail stores. The American Red Cross may be able to provide financial assistance to purchase a HEPA vacuum to residents who live below Canal Street. For further information call the American Red Cross at 1-877-746-4987.

Exposure to asbestos is associated with asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and cancer. The risk of developing these diseases depends on the level (dose) and the length of time exposed (duration). The likelihood of developing disease from limited, short-term, low-level exposure is low. There is no reliable test that can indicate whether an individual has had low-level exposures to asbestos. In the occupational setting, where the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure can be much greater, there is a higher risk to workers. Workers at the WTC site need to use the correct protective equipment to reduce exposure.

Exposure to some forms of fibrous glass, like fiberglass, can cause cough, and eye, nose, skin, and throat irritation. Long-term health effects associated with fibrous glass are not completely known and standards for measurement of fiberglass in environmental samples are not well established. Although fiberglass is classified as a possible carcinogen, recent studies of more than 30,000 industrial workers who worked with fiberglass found no conclusive evidence of an increased risk of cancer.

For more information, visit the Health Department website at nyc.gov/health or call DOHMH at (212) 341-9810.