Citation:

PLEIL, J. D. ASSESSING CARCINOGENIC POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAH) LEVELS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE NEW YORK WORLD TRADE CENTER DISASTER. Presented at School of PUblic Health, LSU Health Center, New Orleans, LA, March 09, 2005.

Impact/Purpose:

The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.

Specific objectives of this task include the following:

1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.

2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.

3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.

Description:

The catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on Sept. 11, 2001 (9/11) created an immense dust cloud followed by fires that emitted smoke and soot into the air of New York City (NYC) well into December. Outdoor pollutant levels in lower Manhattan returned to urban background after about 100 to 200 days as the fires were put out and the debris cleanup was completed. However, particulate matter (PM) from the original collapse and fires also penetrated deeply into commercial and residential buildings where it continues to pose a re-exposure risk. Discriminating between "normal" urban pollutant infiltration and residual WTC dust remaining in the ventilation systems, common spaces, furnishings, and interior spaces (inside walls, closets, stairwells, etc.) is difficult. Some progress has been made in identifying WTC dust by content of fibers and metals, but this addresses only the initial building collapse. There is also concern over the effects of contaminants created by the fires burning for 100 days in the debris piles of the building rubble. Based on analyses of ambient air data, we have developed a candidate signature for WTC fire related PM based on the relative amounts of specific particle bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and have proposed a numerical parameter for assessing the likelihood that a given airborne or settled dust sample has WTC fires contribution. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mass fraction of PAHs per mass of PM is related to the strength of the WTC component. These two parameters are combined and we propose a method for discriminating between fire sources and urban particulate sources to serve as a tool for assessing the WTC fires contribution to contemporary indoor dust.

Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for publication, it may not necessarily reflect official Agency Policy.

Record Details: