New York City Department of Health Responds to the World Trade Center Disaster

Recommendations for People Re-Occupying Commercial Buildings and Residents Re-Entering Their Homes

What steps should I take upon returning to my workplace or home?

If you were evacuated from a residence or workplace south of Warren Street, west of Broadway, and north of Exchange Street, and have been approved to resume tenancy by your building manager, you are advised to wear a dust mask upon entering this area to decrease the possibility of dust inhalation and throat irritation. Outside these boundaries, masks are not ne cessary, but may be worn for your own comfort. If there is dust present indoors, it should not be necessary to wear this mask if you follow the cleaning procedures detailed below. In a workplace, speak to your supervisor to see if there are special startup and cleaning procedure. In very dusty places, clean-up may be necessary before equipment ca n be restarted. Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below. In your home, you should first make sure that conditions are safe. You should enter your home dressed in a long sleeve shirt and pants, and with closed shoes. Upon entry: Check for the smell of gas. If the apartment smells of gas, leave immediately and report it to your building manager and to Con Edison. Check for broken glass and fixtures. Wrap any broken glass in paper and mark it “broken glass.” If large pieces of glass are broken, ask your building superintendent for instructions on disposal. Run hot and cold water from each of the taps for at least two minutes, or until water runs completely clean. Flush toilets until bowls are refilled. For air pressure systems, you may need to flush seve ral times. If there are any problems with the toilet or plumbing system, call a plumber -- do not try to fix the problem yourself. Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below.

I have heard that asbestos wa s released from the collapse of the World Trade Center. What are the hea lth effects of asbestos?

Because some asbestos was used in the building of the World Trade Center, City, State, and Federal agencies have been collecting dust, debris, and air samples since the World Trade Center collapse. As expected, some asbestos was found in a few of the dust and debris samples take n from the blast site and individuals working in this area have been advised to take precautions. However, most of the air samples taken have been below levels of concern. Based on the asbestos test results received thus far, there are no significant health risks to occupants in the affected area or to the general public. In general, asbestos-related lung disease results only from intense asbestos exposure experienced over a period of many years, primarily as a consequence of occupational exposures. The risk of developing an asbestos-related illness following an exposure of short duration, even to high leve ls, is extremely low.

What should I do with food left in my apartment?

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