Characterization of background concentrations in upper Manhattan, New York apartments for select contaminants identified in World Trade Center dust.

Residential indoor concentration of asbestos, lead, synthetic vitreous fiber (SVF), crystalline silica, calcite, gypsum, dioxin, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 25 residences and 9 building-interior common areas in upper Manhattan, NY. This was done to characterize the background levels of contaminants, identified in dust related to the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, at locations that were minimally impacted by the dust fallout. The study was initiated due to the paucity of background concentrations on building-related materials and combustion byproducts in urban residential dwellings.

Evaluation of vacuum and wet-wipe methods for removal of World Trade Center dust from indoor environments.

The destruction of the buildings at the World Trade Center (WTC) complex dispersed dust and debris into the surrounding area. Pulverized building material made up most of the fallout and was intermixed with combustion byproducts of the aircraft and building contents. A study was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of several cleaning procedures in removing WTC-related contamination from lower Manhattan residences.