SAFETY TIPS

FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE LOWER MANHATTAN AREA

Since September 11 there has been a lot of smoke and asbestos in the air. If you think yo may have been exposed to asbestos, or other dangerous materials contact your doctor ASAP.

- It is important to be aware that smoke can remain in areas for many days after the fires have ended. The contraction of asbestos related diseases ordinarily requires prolonged exposure to the dust. Even brief inhalations can be risky. You should take do all you can to avoid asbestos exposure and post-fire dust exposure. Here are a few tips:

- Try not to exercise outdoors, particularly if you smell smoke or notice eye or throat irritation.

- Wear a mask or rubber gloves during clean up. Regular dust masks do not provide complete protection against asbestos. Outreach workers from NYU and St. Vincent's Hospital and the Lower Manhattan Residents Relief Coalition can provide good masks for you.

- Thoroughly wet dusty and sooty areas prior to clean up. This will help reduce the amount of particulates becoming airborne.

- If possible, air conditioning SHOULD BE USED in the "recirculate" setting.

- When it is necessary to drive through the affected areas, you should keep your windows and air vents closed.

CONTACT A DOCTOR

if you have experienced any breathing problems, such as:

- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty taking a full breath
- Painful breathing
- Persistent cough

If you have Asthma or Lung Disease of any kind please try to stay indoors and monitor your breathing until public health officials tell you it is safer outside.

People who suffer from asthma should continue your regular medications. Have your pills and inhalers available at all times. In the event of smoke inhalation, which can trigger asthma attacks, use your bronchodilators / beta-agonist / inhaler (e.g. albuterol)

People using oxygen should not adjust their level of intake before consulting their physicians.

People with lung or heart problems should avoid cleanup activities and areas where dust or soot is present.

If breathing problems or pulmonary symptoms are not relieved by usual medications, you should seek medical attention immediately.

For free information about lung disease, contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA or visit www.alany.org. (These tips were adapted from information provided by ALA.)