Press Release
	New York City Department of Health Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Andrew Tucker Monday, February 11, 2002 (212) 295-5335/5336

Earlier today, New York City Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, joined city, state, and federal officials at a U.S. Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Clean Air, Wetlands, and Climate Change to provide testimony on the impacts of the September 11 attack on air quality. The hearing was conducted by Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), the subcommittee chairman, and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), a subcommittee member.

Dr. Frieden testified about the City Health Department's efforts since September 11, 2001 to establish systems to monitor resident and emergency worker injuries, assess the possibility of a bioterrorist event, monitor the data provided by environmental agencies, and working with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to examine indoor air quality of thirty residential buildings in lower Manhattan.

Dr. Frieden reiterated findings from last week's press announcement that, while none of the testing to date has shown results that would indicate long-term health impacts, conclusive scientific knowledge about the potential health hazards of some substances is not available. He also urged residents of lower Manhattan, some of whom have reported what are expected to be short term symptoms such as cough, and/or eye, nose, throat, or skin irritation, to continue to use appropriate cleaning procedures.

Dr. Frieden's testimony, as well as other WTC-related information, is available on the DOH website at nyc.gov/health.

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