EPA and OSHA Web Sites Provide Environmental Monitoring Data
From World Trade Center and Surrounding Areas NEW!
Environmental Information from Ground Zero at the World Trade
Center Site NEW!
Environmental Information from Lower Manhattan for Residents,
Area Employees and Local Business Owners NEW!
Other Environmental Issues Related to the Attack on the World
Trade Center NEW!
EPA Asbestos Air Monitoring Data NEW!
Particulate Matter Air Monitoring Data NEW!
Drinking Water Monitoring Data NEW!
OSHA Asbestos Sampling Area Map - Lower Manhattan and World
Trade Center NEW!
OSHA: Air Monitoring at the WTC Site (except asbestos)
NEW!
OSHA: Asbestos Monitoring at the WTC Site
NEW!
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA and OSHA Web Sites
Provide Environmental Monitoring Data From World Trade Center and Surrounding
Areas Data Confirms No Significant Public Health Risks; Rescue Crews and Nearby
Residents Should Take Appropriate Precautions
The OSHA
version puts all the factsheets into one document
(full text below)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Christie Whitman and US Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) John Henshaw announced today that both federal agencies are providing the public with extensive additional environmental monitoring data from the World Trade Center site and nearby areas in Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. Both agencies have taken hundreds of samples to monitor environmental conditions since September 11, and have found no evidence of any significant public health hazard to residents, visitors or workers beyond the immediate World Trade Center area.
In response to public requests for more detailed information, EPA and OSHA are making the results of environmental and occupational sampling available on their sites on the World Wide Web (www.epa.gov and www.osha.gov), and will post additional data as it becomes available.
EPA and OSHA, working closely with other federal, state, and local agencies, have been sampling the air, dust, water, river sediments and drinking water and analyzing them for the presence of pollutants such as asbestos, radiation, mercury and other metals, pesticides, PCBs, or bacteria that might create health hazards. They have found no evidence of any significant public health hazard to residents or visitors to the New York metropolitan area.
"EPA's website now has more detailed information on environmental monitoring information in New York City that should be very reassuring to residents, tourists and workers, and we will continue to update that site with information as it becomes available" said EPA Administrator Whitman. "Our data show that contaminant levels are low or nonexistent, and are generally confined to the Trade Center site. There is no need for concern among the general public, but residents and business owners should follow recommended procedures for cleaning up homes and businesses if dust has entered."
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw confirmed that workers on the site should take appropriate steps to protect themselves, but there is no threat to public health. "We have more than 200 staffers involved in a round-the-clock effort, continually monitoring conditions to ensure the safety and health of workers," Administrator Henshaw said. "It is important for workers involved in the recovery and clean-up to wear protective equipment as potential hazards and conditions are constantly changing at the site; however, our samples indicate there is no evidence of significant levels of airborne asbestos or other contaminants beyond the disaster site itself."
On the whole, despite questions about potential contaminants from the Trade Center site, EPA and OSHA data indicates there is no cause for general public concern. Residents and workers returning to buildings where dust from the Trade Center has entered the building should follow proper procedures in cleaning buildings, but the general public should feel very reassured about the extensive environmental monitoring data that has been collected and analyzed. Rescue and recovery crews working on the Trade Center site should take steps to protect themselves from potential exposure to contaminants by using respirators and washing stations as recommended by EPA and OSHA.
In total, EPA and OSHA have taken 835 ambient air samples in the New York City metropolitan area. EPA is currently collecting data from 16 fixed air monitors at ground zero and in the residential and business districts around the site, and both EPA and OSHA are using portable sampling equipment to collect data from a range of locations throughout the area.
Out of a total of 442 air samples EPA has taken at ground zero and in the immediate area, only 27 had levels of asbestos above the standard EPA uses to determine if children can re-enter a school after asbestos has been removed – a stringent standard based upon assumptions of long-term exposure. OSHA has analyzed 67 air samples from the same area, and all were below the OSHA workplace standard for asbestos.
All fifty-four air samples from EPA's four monitors in New Jersey found no levels above EPA's standard. Another 162 samples were taken from EPA's monitors at the Fresh Kills landfill in Staten Island, where debris from the World Trade Center is being taken; only two exceeded EPA's standard.
Of 177 bulk dust and debris samples collected by EPA and OSHA and analyzed for asbestos, 48 had levels over 1 percent, the level EPA and OSHA use to define asbestos-containing material. Although early samples from water runoff into the Hudson and East Rivers showed some elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin, asbestos and metals, recent results find non-detectable levels of asbestos, and PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals below the level of concern.
EPA and OSHA have also conducted sampling for the presence of metals (lead, iron oxide, zinc oxide, copper and beryllium) at ground zero and in surrounding areas. None of the levels of these metals have exceeded OSHA limits.
Although EPA has measured dioxin levels in and around the World Trade Center site that were at or above EPA's level for taking action, the risk from dioxin is based on long-term exposure. EPA and OSHA expect levels to diminish as soon as the remaining fires on the site are extinguished.
Of the 36 samples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) taken around ground zero to assist response workers in determining the appropriate level of respiratory protection, several samples have been above the OSHA standard for workers. None presented an immediate risk to workers, and the levels are expected to decline when the fires are out.
Fact sheets with more specific information for various parts of the New York City metropolitan area are available:
Resources for Information on the World Wide Web:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA-OSHA FACT SHEET
Environmental Information from Ground Zero at the World Trade Center Site
(full text below)
Much of the monitoring data collected to date on and around the World Trade Center site indicates relatively low levels of asbestos and other potential contaminants. Nevertheless, workers should take precautions to protect themselves from any potential exposure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are making every effort to protect the health of workers at the World Trade Center site. EPA and OSHA are providing real-time analysis in the immediate vicinity of the debris pile at ground zero, checking for compounds such as benzene, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide that are associated with fires. This information helps response workers on the scene determine what level of respiratory protection is appropriate to use. EPA is also collecting data from 16 fixed air monitors in and around ground zero, which provide critical information about levels of asbestos at the site.
Crews working on the rubble pile at the World Trade Center site should wear respirators, which have been provided by EPA, OSHA and other government agencies, and take appropriate precautions to protect against potential environmental hazards. OSHA is fit-checking respirators for workers involved in the rescue and recovery.
To reduce worker exposure to the dust, EPA has set up washing stations for response workers at ground zero. These stations provide shelter, shade and a place for workers to wash off and change into clean clothing before going home. Vehicles and heavy equipment departing the zone are being washed down prior to departure as well. Signs informing rescuers of the need to wear protective gear are posted throughout the washing areas.
Asbestos Monitoring Data – Ambient Air Samples:
OSHA has analyzed 67 air samples in the area where crews are actively working
on the World Trade Center Site. None of these samples exceeded OSHA's permissible
exposure limit of 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
EPA has collected and analyzed a total of 442 air samples for asbestos from its 16 fixed air monitoring stations, which are located in the area surrounding the World Trade Center site. Only 27 were above 70 structures per millimeter squared, the AHERA standard, which is based upon assumptions of long-term exposure. ("AHERA" is the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, which is used to determine whether children may re-enter a school building after an asbestos removal or abatement.)
Asbestos Monitoring Data – Bulk Dust and Debris Samples:
EPA and OSHA have also sampled dust at the site and in the surrounding area
for asbestos. Of 177 bulk samples collected by EPA and OSHA, 48
contained more than one percent asbestos, the level EPA and OSHA use to define
asbestos-containing material. The existence of dust that contains more than
one percent of asbestos does not in itself constitute a significant health hazard
– ambient air samples are more accurate measures of actual exposure potential,
and asbestos is primarily considered hazardous after long-term exposure –
but dust samples do provide important information about potential exposure.
Asbestos was used as a fire-proofing material in a portion of one of the World
Trade Center towers.
Dioxin:
EPA took samples at four stations on Sept. 16 and analyzed them for dioxin.
Levels were at or just above EPA's standard for action based upon an assumption
of a continuous 30-year exposure. EPA is monitoring closely, but sees no cause
for concern by workers or the public based upon short-term exposure to these
levels. EPA and OSHA recommend that workers at the site use respirators they
have been provided, which will protect them from exposure to dioxins.
Metals:
OSHA has taken 53 samples of metals such as lead, iron oxide, zinc oxide, copper
and beryllium. None of the levels found for these metals have exceeded OSHA
limits.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
EPA and OSHA have closely monitored levels of VOCs in the plume of smoke coming
from the site, mainly to assist response workers in determining the appropriate
level of respiratory protection. Four samples exceeded the OSHA standard of
0.5 parts per million (ppm) for an eight-hour day, but did not approach a level
of immediate concern to workers. The sample taken September 22 had a level of
3.2 ppm. One sample taken on September 26 had a level of 11 ppm, which fell
to 2.6 ppm on September 29. The sample taken September 30 found 5.1 ppm. EPA
and OSHA are continuing to monitor these emissions closely, but expect them
to decrease significantly as the remaining fires under the debris pile are extinguished.
Carbon Monoxide:
OSHA has taken nine personal samples of carbon monoxide for workers on the debris
pile; results range from 1 ppm to 15 ppm – well below the OSHA standard
(50 ppm permissible exposure limit). As a precaution, FEMA is bringing in a
medical team to handle any potential health complaints from workers on the site.
Silica:
OSHA has collected more than 40 samples from the disaster site and analyzed
them for crystalline silica. The overwhelming majority have shown no detectable
levels of silica. The highest result was less than half the OSHA limit.
Freon:
Freon, which is commonly used as a coolant in refrigerators and air conditioners,
was stored in the basement of the World Trade Center. The freon containers have
been located and are reported to be intact. The freon will be recycled after
it is removed.
Additional EPA/OSHA Information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA-OSHA FACT SHEET
Environmental Information from Lower Manhattan for Residents, Area Employees
and Local Business Owners
(full text below)
Air and dust samples collected in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey show that the public is not being exposed to concentrations of asbestos above EPA or OSHA levels of concern. Shortly after the World Trade Center collapse, EPA's emergency response team and OSHA staff were on the scene taking air and dust samples and analyzing them for asbestos, lead and volatile organic compounds.
Four air samples, collected on September 11 in Brooklyn where the prevailing winds were blowing, were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, five air samples were collected on September 11 in Brooklyn and were analyzed for lead and asbestos. None of the samples had detectable levels of lead. Asbestos was not detected in two samples, and the other two had levels of asbestos well below the EPA (AHERA) standard used to determine if children can reenter a school after asbestos has been removed or abated. Two samples had no detectable levels of VOCs, and two had very low levels of a VOC compound.
EPA also obtained four air samples from Liberty State Park in New Jersey, across the Hudson River from the World Trade Center. Neither asbestos nor lead were detected in any of the samples. Two of the samples contained some toluene, which probably originated from automobile exhaust or gasoline generators being used near the sample collection locations.
As of September 30, EPA has collected and analyzed 442 air samples for asbestos from its 16 fixed air monitoring stations. Only 27 were above 70 structures per millimeter squared, the AHERA standard.
In addition, EPA has taken 128 samples of dust and analyzed them for asbestos. Thirty-four have had levels of asbestos above the 1 percent used to define asbestos-containing material. Four samples of dust taken in the immediate vicinity of the debris pile on September 11 found lead concentrations well below EPA's lead action level. Only one of the four samples had an asbestos level over the 1 percent.
In addition, OSHA took nearly 200 bulk dust and air samples to test for asbestos in the Financial District and a 90-block area immediately surrounding the World Trade Center from September 13 to September 24. Results showed levels consistent with safe and acceptable standards, ranging from 0.0013 f/cc to 0.086 f/cc.
EPA has used its 10 HEPA filter SUPERVAC vacuum trucks to clean streets, sidewalks and parks in residential and commercial areas around the World Trade Center site, where heavy dust or the presence of asbestos was found. The high-powered vacuum trucks have been used to clean streets in the Financial District, as well as sidewalks, the Battery Park City promenade, area parks, playgrounds, and even children's sand boxes. Dust and other materials vacuumed are being kept in air-tight containers and disposed of properly. Vacuum trucks will be available to address other areas, as needed.
In examining the data provided by EPA and OSHA, the public should be careful to distinguish between data that measures asbestos concentrations in the air and in data from dust samples taken from the ground or other surfaces. Ambient air samples are more accurate indicators of the potential exposure of the public to potential contaminants. Levels of asbestos in the dust and debris vary. The agencies have found some levels above the one percent standard that indicates that the material contains asbestos, but ambient air sampling has not generally revealed concentrations of asbestos at levels that pose significant threats to public health.
EPA has been evaluating samples of air against an extremely stringent standard, the AHERA standard (70 structures per millimeter squared; established by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act). Levels of asbestos above the AHERA standard do not imply that there is an immediate health threat to the public. Asbestos exposure becomes a health concern when high concentrations of asbestos fibers are inhaled over a long period.
Metals: EPA collected air samples at 24 locations in the residential and business districts near the World Trade Center on September 16, 23, and 27 and analyzed them for metals. No samples violated OSHA standards.
Workers in the Financial District:
EPA and OSHA made extensive efforts to ensure the safety of workers in the Financial
District as they returned to work on September 17. EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard
helped corporate personnel from 42 firms enter financial district buildings
to retrieve important information and check computer systems that were needed
in order to open the markets on September 17. Buildings were examined for contaminants
and to ensure adequate oxygen prior to entry. EPA also deployed its SUPERVAC
trucks to the Financial District to clean the streets and sidewalks before employees
returned to work.
OSHA took approximately 126 air and bulk samples in the Financial District from September 13 to September 21. Results showed levels well below OSHA standards. Therefore, OSHA ceased sampling in the Financial District on Sept. 21.
Residents and Workers Returning to Homes and Offices in Lower Manhattan:
The vast majority of EPA and OSHA samples of air and dust analyzed for asbestos
have been at levels that pose no significant risk to residents and workers returning
to their homes or area businesses. However, people returning to buildings in
the area may find some level of dust and debris. If dust or debris from the
World Trade Center site has entered homes or offices, people should be sure
to clean thoroughly and avoid inhaling dust while doing so. The New York City
Department of Public Health has posted information and recommendations for people
reentering buildings at www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/alerts/wtc3.html
Additional EPA/OSHA Information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA-OSHA FACT SHEET
Other Environmental Issues Related to the Attack on the World Trade Center
(full text below)
Drinking water:
EPA and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection sampled drinking
water from 13 water mains in lower Manhattan on September 15. Typically, sampling
is done at the water main distribution points and not at the tap. Asbestos was
not detected in any of the samples, nor was any bacterial contamination. PCBs
and pesticides levels were below detectable levels, and metals (including mercury)
and radioactivity (both alpha and beta) did not exceed EPA drinking water standards.
Water:
EPA has collected water samples from the Hudson and East Rivers where storm
sewers and surface runoff is discharged following days of heavy rain to determine
if any potential contaminants from the site are entering area waters. Initial
runoff samples showed some elevated levels of PCBs, dioxin, asbestos and metals.
Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were at levels normally found
in city combined sewage flows. Follow-up samples found non-detectable levels
of asbestos, PCBs and PAHs and metals below the level of concern.
EPA has also collected water samples from the 13th Street Pump Station, which transfers wastewater from lower Manhattan to the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Brooklyn. As a precaution, the Newtown Creek plant is segregating the sewage flows from lower Manhattan and will not use the sludge from these flows for beneficial use. Analysis of samples taken for dioxin showed no elevated levels.
Fresh Kills Landfill:
EPA has been monitoring and analyzing dust levels at the Fresh Kills Landfill
on Staten Island, where debris from the World Trade Center site is being taken
for storage and analysis by the FBI. EPA has taken 162 air samples at the landfill,
with only two exceeding the AHERA standard. EPA has found no cause for alarm,
but is advising FBI crews at the landfill to wear respirators and to suppress
the dust with water when dust levels rise. EPA is now operating and has upgraded
washing stations for workers and trucks at the site, which were previously managed
by the National Guard. Recent data indicates dust levels on the site are decreasing.
Small Business Assistance:
EPA Compliance Assistance staff are working with the Small Business Administration
to provide information to impacted small businesses regarding assistance loans
and cleanup options. Business owners can contact SBA disaster assistance at
1-800-659-2955.
Additional EPA/OSHA Information
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA-OSHA FACT SHEET
Asbestos Air Monitoring Locations: Lower
Manhattan
Clickable map showing the monitoring locations. Each links to a subpage with data from 9/14 to the present.
"This table shows how much asbestos EPA measured in the air at this site, on the dates and times shown. Daily summaries of this data and how it compares to the level of concern for public health are provided on the EPA home page. EPA can measure asbestos in several ways. For these data tables, EPA is providing measurements in terms of the number of asbestos structures found per square millimeter within our air monitors (structures can include single, overlapping, and bundles of asbestos fibers). The level of concern for asbestos is based on continuous exposure to more than 70 structures per square millimeter for an extended period. Because cleanup efforts will reduce asbestos levels dramatically over the next several weeks, EPA does not expect people exposed to this amount of asbestos to have increased risks of health problems."
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Particulate Matter Air
Monitoring Data
General map of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. "This map shows the locations of particulate monitoring stations in lower Manhattan. Select a station to view PM2.5 data." Each area has another map of stations. Clicking on a station gets data from 10/2 to the present.
"This table shows how much fine particulate matter (particles less than
2.5 micrometers in diameter) the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation has measured in the air at this site, on the dates and times shown.
Airborne particles like smoke and dust are solids and liquid droplets of different
sizes suspended in the air. EPA sets the level of concern to caution sensitive
groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease.
For fine particles, that level is 40 ug/m3*** for 24-hour average exposure.
This level is based on EPA's Air Quality Index. Above this level, we recommend
that sensitive groups reduce their exposure. Shorter term peaks are also of
potential concern for sensitive groups. The level of concern for the general
population is 65 ug/m3*** over a 24 hour period. Most healthy adults and children
are expected to recover quickly from any symptoms of short-term exposure like
coughing, wheezing, or eye and throat irritation. EPA expects the long-term
risk from these short-term exposures to be very low."
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Drinking Water Monitoring
Data
This page contains a map of the sampling areas but they are not clickable. The data is all from 9/15. They are summarized and there are no specifics.
"In addition to routine monitoring conducted by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, EPA sampled drinking water from 13 water mains under city streets in lower Manhattan on September 15. New York City receives about 1.3 billion gallons of drinking water each day from reservoirs north of the city. Samples are typically taken at water main distribution points, not at the tap. The samples were analyzed for a wide range of potential drinking water contaminants, including PCBs, metals and bacteria. No contaminants were detected above federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), drinking water standards set to protect human health."
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Asbestos Sampling Area
Map - Lower Manhattan and World Trade Center
(Samples September 13th through 27th, 2001)
This page contains a map of the few blocks around the WTC. There are summary labels on several monitoring station areas. "Please Note: OSHA standards are designed to protect employees in a work environment. Sample results reflect total fibers and may contain fibers other than asbestos. The asbestos permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.1 f/cc (fibers/cubic centimeter of air)."
The bottom of the map states: "Bulk samples taken from debris and dust 9/13 to 9/27 revealed asbestos concentration ranging from non-detected to 1.9% asbestos. A sample taken in the rubble pile (hot zone) contained 50% chrysotile."
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Air Monitoring
at the WTC Site (except asbestos)
(September 13 - 27, 2001)
(full text below)
OSHA has more than 200 staffers involved in providing assistance and consultation on worker safety and health at the World Trade Center disaster site since September 13. The agency is distributing and fit-checking thousands of respirators daily along with other personal protective equipment. OSHA staff are also conducting safety monitoring and sampling air quality in the "hot zone" or on the actual rubble pile for a variety of potential health risks to workers involved in the rescue and recovery. All sampling for possible contaminants is taking place in the rubble pile and debris transfer sites.
Carbon Monoxide
Nine personal samples for workers on the rubble pile taken by OSHA staff showed
results ranging from 1 ppm to 15 ppmÐwell below the OSHA 50 ppm permissible
exposure limit.
Metals
OSHA has taken 53 samples of metals such as lead, cadmium, iron oxide, zinc
oxide, copper and beryllium. None of the levels found for these metals have
exceeded OSHA limits.
Silica
The overwhelming majority of the 40 samples OSHA has taken for crystalline silica
show no detectible levels of silica. The highest sample registered less than
half the OSHA permissible exposure limit.
Volatile Organic Compounds
OSHA screening samples for volatile organic compounds showed elevated levels
of various organic chemicals in the smoke plumes from the continuing fires in
the rubble pile. These chemicals are normal by-products resulting from fires.
OSHA is currently conducting personal and area sampling at the disaster site.
Results should be available the second week of October.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Asbestos
Monitoring at the WTC Site
(September 13 - 27, 2001)
(full text below)
Financial District
OSHA has taken approximately 40 air and bulk samples in the Financial District
(the location east of Broadway and south of John Street). Results ranged from
"non-detected" to 0.041 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Further analysis
showed all fibers to be non-asbestos. Results showed levels consistent
with safe and acceptable standards. OSHA ceased sampling in the Financial District
on Sept. 21.
Warm Zone
A 90-square block surrounding the World Trade Center complex and plaza has been
designated a secure area with controlled access. It extends south of Chambers
Street, west to Broadway, south to Rector Street and east to near the Hudson
River. OSHA continues to collect samples; more than 150 bulk and air samples
were taken in the "Warm Zone" through Sept. 24. Asbestos levels remain safe
and consistent, ranging from non-detected to 0.086 f/cc.
Hot Zone/Rubble Pile
What has come to be known as "ground zero", the hot zone is the World Trade
Center complex area itself. It includes the remains of both WTC towers, 7 WTC,
and other partially collapsed buildings.
During this time period, OSHA took 65 air samples and seven bulk samples in the hot zone. Results showed levels ranging from 0.004 to 0.140 f/cc. The level of 0.140 revealed 90 -95% mineral wool fibers and is below safe levels.
All sampling has resulted in what OSHA considers safe levels of exposure; still, the agency is recommending workers in the immediate area of the rubble pile wear respirators. OSHA continues to conduct monitoring for asbestos throughout the warm and hot zones. Results will be posted periodically on this page.
To see a grid map showing asbestos monitoring at specific sample locations in New York click here.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for asbestos is 0.1 f/cc as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Excursion Limit(or short-term exposure limit) is 1 f/cc over a 30-minute period.
(NOTE: For more information on environmental monitoring in New York, see the Environmental Protection Agency's website at http://www.epa.gov/).