Department of Community and Preventive Medicine
Health Issues Around the World Trade Center DisasterProtecting Rescue and Clean Up Workers From Health HazardsRescue and clean-up workers at the World Trade Center (WTC) site may be exposed to many hazardous materials from the explosion, burning and collapse of the World Trade Center. This worker protection fact sheet provides information on hazardous exposures, potential health effects, and recommended worker protection measures.
What hazardous materials were released in the air? More Health Questions
How long should respiratory symptoms last after I'm no longer exposed to airborne irritants? What hazardous materials were released in the air?Irritating materials such as concrete, gypsum, plastics, and fiberglass dusts, as well as soot were released during the explosion and collapse of the towers. Asbestos, used in the World Trade Center buildings as an insulation and fireproofing material, also has been found in the dust and debris. When the dust and debris is disturbed during site activities, hazardous materials may be stirred up and workers may be exposed. Were there other contaminants released because of the fires?Toxic and irritating gases, along with acid mists, were released when plastics and other materials burned. Carbon monoxide gas also was likely to be released from combustion at lower temperatures and in enclosed spaces. Even in the absence of visible flames, the release of combustion gases may continue. Are there certain work activities that increase the risk of exposure?During debris removal activities settled dust is stirred up and workers are exposed to contaminated dust. In addition, the use of torches to cut through steel can vaporize lead-based paint, placing "burners" and those near them at risk for lead poisoning if they are not protected adequately. What are the most immediate health concerns?While exposure to asbestos dust is a matter of important concern and should be protected against, a more serious immediate health threat is exposure of people with lung or heart disease to airborne irritants at and near the site. These irritating dusts and gases can markedly worsen medical conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, other chronic lung conditions and heart disease. These exposures might also trigger an asthma attack in people who may be susceptible, but who have not had an asthma attack before. A first asthma attack can be caused by an intense exposure of this kind, with symptoms persisting for long periods of time. What are the respiratory symptoms I can experience after breathing the dust and gases at or near the site?Respiratory symptoms include: burning in the nose, throat, and chest; tightness in the chest; wheezing; and cough. Exposure to asbestos does not cause any immediate respiratory symptoms. Asbestos-related lung disease does not become evident or cause symptoms (usually shortness of breath) until at least 15, and more often 20+ years after exposure begins. Should I be worried about health effects from asbestos at the site?Although asbestos insulation was used in the WTC towers and surrounding buildings, the amount of asbestos fiber in the debris is relatively low (but not zero). Disturbing the rubble and settled dust can re-suspend asbestos in the air, so workers at the site should wear appropriate respirators and other protective gear. While I'm working at the site, how can I protect myself?Exposure to airborne irritants and asbestos dust can be reduced by the use of respirators. All workers need to be provided with respirators, goggles and protective clothing including gloves and construction safety boots. Smokers should not smoke at the work site, since smoking can increase exposure to airborne contaminants. As conditions change, levels of protection may also change. Make sure you know what the site safety requirements are at all times. Under current conditions, the following protections are recommended:
How do I know that the respirator is protecting me?Respirators should be "fit-tested" to be sure the seal against the face is tight and won't leak. Beards and other protective equipment may interfere with the fit. Be sure to have a clean-shaven face when using a respirator. You should check the fit every time you put the respirator on by doing positive and negative fit checks. Respirators also should be cleaned regularly with sanitary wipes or soap and water. (Don't wash the filters.) Disposable respirators should be discarded when they are dirty or damaged in any way. Keep respirators in a plastic bag or other storage container to keep them clean when not being worn. People who experience breathing difficulties with or without a respirator should report to a medical station. Continued exposure could cause significant harm to their health. When do I change the filters on my respirator?P-100 filters can be re-used for several days. They should be changed whenever it is difficult to breathe through them, when filters are damaged, or dirty. It is important to clean your respirator frequently. What other protective gear do I need?Goggles, gloves, hard hats, and construction safety boots should be worn. What should I do to prevent contamination of my home and car?Before you leave the work site, you should remove dusty boots/shoes, clothing and coveralls and place them into a bag to be transported. Water should be available at the work site for clean up. Wearing your boots and work clothes in your car can contaminate your vehicle. Work clothing should be washed separately from other laundry. How long should respiratory symptoms last after I'm no longer exposed to airborne irritants?Generally, most people experience improvement and disappearance of these symptoms of irritation within a few days after exposure to irritating materials stops. What if my breathing difficulties persist beyond a few days after I'm no longer exposed?If symptoms of chest tightness, wheezing, or cough last longer than a week, you should see your doctor. After an intense exposure to irritating dusts, mists, or gases, there are some people with increased sensitivity to the effects of airborne irritants who may develop a form of asthma known as reactive airways disease (RADS). Any further exposure to irritants in the air (e.g., cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, construction dust) can trigger these symptoms. There are breathing tests that can identify this condition, and early treatment can be important in controlling the breathing difficulties. If you have developed persistent breathing problems, you may wish to be evaluated by a physician trained in occupational medicine. You may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. If I already have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or another chronic lung disease, can my condition be affected by working at the site?Exposure to the airborne materials present at the site can worsen any pre-existing respiratory condition (including sinusitis), and it would be advisable to consult with your doctor about your working in the area. This recommendation applies to people with heart disease as well. Am I at risk from exposure to blood at the site?Rescue and recovery workers may have exposure to blood, with a resulting increased risk of being infected with hepatitis and HIV virus. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus is available through your doctor and is advisable for people directly handling rubble and debris where blood may be present. Latex or plastic gloves under your regular gloves, goggles, and a respirator will act as barriers against contact with potentially infectious blood. Because of the possibility of cutting yourself during this type of work, if you have not had a tetanus shot within the past 5-10 years, or have never had one, it is also recommended to see your doctor about receiving one. This simple vaccination protects against a serious tetanus infection, although all open or deep wounds should be assessed by onsite medical personnel to prevent other types of infections. Where can I call if I have other questions about possible effects on my health?An information line for questions from workers at the site related to potentially hazardous occupational and environmental exposures has been set up by the Mount Sinai - I.J. Selikoff Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine at (212) 241-4747. Menu |