This fact sheet
describes possible health hazards posed by the dust and debris from the World
Trade Center’s (WTC) burning and collapse. The most immediate hazards to
health and well-being are from unstable buildings, broken glass, jagged metal
and other harmful things.
What
is in the dust?
Dust
is a mixture of very fine particles that originally made-up the materials of
the WTC and the aircraft that struck it. These particles differ depending
on what material the dust came from, how the dust was created, and what
happened to the dust after it was released. Analysis of dust samples will
provide information on components of the dust. We expect that materials that
would be present would be at concentrations lower than those normally
associated with health effects.
Can
the dust in the air cause illness soon after breathing it?
Intense
exposure to dust and smoke causes eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation,
triggering coughing and sneezing. These short-term symptoms are the
body’s way of removing foreign material. Severe reactions usually occur
in the first day or so after a high-level exposure and include persistent
shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain or tightness, headache,
dizziness, or fainting. Individuals with asthma, other lung conditions,
or heart disease may be more vulnerable to the effects of dust and smoke.
Are
there any long-term health effects from breathing smoke or dust?
Short
duration, high intensity exposures to dust and smoke are more likely to result
in short term and reversible effects. Most dust-induced eye, nose,
throat, and lung irritation does not result in long-term health effects.
Asthma and symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing are occasionally
caused by exposure to a high dose of an irritant. Chronic cough, with
phlegm production, and/or shortness of breath can also occasionally
occur. Any person who develops asthma, wheezing, shortness-of-breath,
chest pain, or fever should see a doctor.
What
are the health threats to persons returning to the areas affected by dust and
debris?
Persons
entering areas covered with dust and debris may wish to avoid prolonged
exposure. Individuals entering these areas should avoid inhaling the dust
or entering visibly dusty areas. Avoid dry sweeping of dust and other
dust-clearing procedures that disturb settled dust. A limited dampening
of settled dust with a fine water mist can markedly reduce the amount of dust
that is raised during clean up. Be careful – since excessive wetting may
create a slip and fall hazard. Slip-resistant shoes or boots may be
helpful. People who have been covered in dust that potentially contains
asbestos should avoid taking the dust into their cars or homes (on clothes,
skin, and hair), where others might be exposed. It is best to remove
dusty clothing while wearing respiratory protection. A person should then
shower completely and change into fresh clothing before going home. Dusty
clothing should be handled without shaking, and should be placed in bags.
Potentially contaminated clothing should be laundered separately.
Are masks
useful for reducing exposure to dust and smoke?
Use of protective
dust masks and dust-filtering respirators can effectively remove dust from
inhaled air. For those working in dusty areas, exposure can be reduced by
wearing well-fitted dust masks (such as N-95 or more protective NIOSH-approved
respirators available commercially.) A poor fit can allow dust to bypass
the dust filter, sharply reducing the effectiveness of the mask. These
dust-filtering masks are only effective against dust and provide no protection
against toxic fumes or suffocation from lack of air. Firefighters and
other emergency responders with potential for intense exposures often need
air-supplied respirators for such special situations.
What are other
protective measures?
What
should an individual do if they think they are affected from breathing the
dust?
It
is not necessary to visit an emergency room or physician for minor conditions
such as eye irritation, coughing, or sneezing. However, for persistent or
more serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, or
light-headedness, medical care is advised. This is particularly true for
individuals with pre-existing lung or heart conditions.
Who can be
contacted for further information?
For health
problems that may be due to the dust, a doctor should be consulted.
Doctors can contact public health officials to get information and advice on
dealing with the hazards of the dust.
Follow the advice
being given by local and state health officials about any steps that should be
taken to safely re-enter a workplace or home.
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Note:
All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news.