Impact/Purpose:

The main objectives of this research are to measure ambient concentrations of PM and related air toxics in lower Manhattan as they pertain to transport of PM and air toxics emitted in the vicinity of the WTC recovery site.

Description:

The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) and the fires that burned for several months after the initial collapse released substances which have been implicated as the cause of a number of conditions including coughing, throat irritation, and burning eyes and nasal passages. The initial dust plume blanketed lower Manhattan with dust containing variable amounts of asbestos and other potentially irritating materials such as fiberglass. The smoldering fires burned materials including plastics, wood and other combustible construction materials that can produce irritating and, in some cases, toxic gases and particles. This research focuses on characterizing PM and air toxics pollutants in the vicinity of the collapsed WTC to better understand the types and levels of air pollutants released in lower Manhattan, which may lead to human exposures in the surrounding area. Field sampling was conducted on a daily basis from 9/21/01 to 5/15/02 at three ground-level sites immediately surrounding the WTC and on the 16th floor of a building at 290 Broadway located about 0.5 km from the WTC. Daily, 24-hr integrated samples were collected for analysis of PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were collected daily through 10/01. Filter samples for PM2.5 and PM10 were analyzed for mass concentrations, elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence and elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) concentrations (PM2.5 samples only). In addition to the integrated samples, continuous measurements were made of PM concentrations at each site and elemental carbon and particle size distributions at the 290 Broadway site.

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT

Start Date:09/01/2001

Completion Date:09/01/2003

Record ID: 56114

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Project Information:

Progress :Field monitoring began on 9/21/01 and was completed on 5/15/02. Field samples were collected and analyzed for a variety of parameters including PM mass, elemental composition of PM, volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) with all analyses expected to be completed during FY03. Data validation/analysis is ongoing. Results for PM mass concentrations and selected chemical species (PM and gases) have been reported and presented at scientific conferences during FY02. Data from continuous, real-time instrumentation was recovered from the field sites and analyzed. All available data were provided to Region 2 and the National Center for Exposure Assessment (NCEA) for inclusion in risk assessments and evaluations. The data were intended to be made available to the public by Region 2 via the EPA website. The semi-volatile organic compound data have been summarized in a peer-reviewed EPA report and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Additional journal articles will be prepared and submitted during FY03 on the PM and related co-pollutants data.

ABSTRACT/ORAL

Vette, A.F., Landis, M.S., Williams, R.W., LaPosta, D., Kantz, M., Filippelli, J., Webb, L., Ellestad, T.G., and Vallero, D.A. Concentrations and speciation of PM at Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the WTC. International Society of Exposure Analysis 2002 annual conference, Vancouver, Canada, August 11-15, 2002.

Swartz, E.C., Stockburger, L., and Vallero, D.A. Monitoring toxic organic gases and particles near the World Trade Center after September 11, 2001. International Society of Exposure Analysis 2002 annual conference, Vancouver, Canada, August 11-15, 2002.

Seila, R.L., and Lonneman, W.A. VOCs in ambient air near World Trade Center site. International Society of Exposure Analysis 2002 annual conference, Vancouver, Canada, August 11-15, 2002.

Vette, A.F., Landis, M.S., Swartz, E.C., Williams, R.W., LaPosta, D., Kantz, M., Filippelli, J., Webb, L., Ellestad, T.G., and Vallero, D.A. Concentrations and composition of PM at Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the WTC. American Association for Aerosol Research 2002 Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC, October 7-11, 2002.

Swartz, E.C., Stockburger, L., Vette, A.F., and Vallero, D.A. Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other semi-volatile organic compounds collected in New York City in response to the events of 9/11. American Association for Aerosol Research 2002 Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC, October 7-11, 2002.

Vette, A.F., Landis, M.S., Williams, R.W., LaPosta, D., Kantz, M., Filippelli, J., Webb, L., Ellestad, T.G., and Vallero, D.A. Concentrations and speciation of PM at Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan following the collapse of the WTC. International Society of Exposure Analysis 2002 annual conference, Vancouver, Canada, August 11-15, 2002.

JOURNAL

Swartz, E.C., Stockburger, L., Vette, A.F., and Vallero, D.A. Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other semi-volatile organic compounds collected in New York City in response to the events of 9/11. Submitted to Environ. Sci. Technol. (2002).

REPORT

Swartz, E.C., Stockburger, L., and Vallero, D.A. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other semi-volatile organic compounds collected in New York City in response to the events of 9/11. 2002. EPA Report.



Relevance :This research was conducted as an emergency response to collect data on air pollutant concentrations in the vicinity of the collapsed World Trade Center following the terrorist attacks on 9/11/01. There have been numerous health complaints from the public in the surrounding area and the data collected as part of this effort may be useful to assess exposures and potential health effects. The data have been and will be used by NCEA in preparing risk assessments for the public impacted by the pollutants emitted at the World Trade Center recovery site. In addition, Region 2 has also used the data in comparing potential exposures against existing air pollutant benchmarks to better understand public health implications.

Clients :Mark Maddaloni - Region 2, Lester Grant - NCEA

Project IDs:

ID Code :15564

Project type :OMIS