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Paul Lioy Background: The attack on the World Trade Towers resulted in an intense fire and the subsequent collapse of both structures. As a consequence, a large plume of dust and smoke developed that released both particles of various sizes and gases into the atmosphere. In the initial 12-18 hours after the disaster, prevailing winds transported the plume to the east and southeast towards Brooklyn. To begin to assess the health risks to the general population and to emergency responders, samples of settled dust were taken in 13 locations around the site within the first few days of the disaster. Advance: The bulk of the material contained in the dust samples was pulverized building materials consisting of concrete, wood dust, and glass fibers. These materials were of a size that would prevent them from being deposited deep within lung tissue. However, there was a small yet significant percentage of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in the dust. The sources of the PAHs were the fires that consumed a diverse mix of jet fuel, plastics, wood, metals, and other synthetic materials. Based on the samples obtained, the researchers estimate that between 100 and 1,000 tons of PAHs were spread throughout lower Manhattan. Implication: PAHs are classified as probable human carcinogens. These findings provide conclusive evidence that significant amounts of PAHs were released into the atmosphere. Whether cancers will occur as a result of these exposures has yet to be determined. This study provides baseline data, which may be used in future risk assessments to determine the extent to which adverse health outcomes may result from these exposures. Citation: Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Dusts That Settled across Lower Manhattan after September 11, 2001. Offenberg, J. H.; Eisenreich, S. J.; Chen, L. C.; Cohen, M. D.; Chee, G.; Prophete, C.; Weisel, C.; Lioy, P. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.; (Article); 2002; ASAP Article; DOI: 10.1021/es025730g |
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