Surveillance report reveals persistent smoke and chemical exposures among heavy equipment operators, highlighting the necessity of daily airborne monitoring during disaster recovery.
Key Points
To monitor and evaluate occupational exposure to airborne hazardous substances among heavy equipment operators working on debris removal at the World Trade Center site.
Industrial hygienists conducted daily personal and area air sampling of heavy equipment operators beginning September 19, 2001.
Collected more than 50 samples evaluating concentrations of airborne asbestos, lead, total dust, organic vapors, and acid gases.
Compiled daily exposure data and disseminated findings via the Internet to the EPA, NIEHS, and the New York City Department of Health.
Equipment operators faced prolonged and more intense smoke exposures as heavy machinery advanced deeper into the core debris pile.
Ongoing subterranean fires generated continuous smoke emissions through late 2001, even while ambient choking dust levels decreased overall.