Your questions answered:
This information comes in part from detailed fact sheets published by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health. The DC 37 Safety and Health Dept. reviews these issues during inspections

Q. What are the health risks from dust and smoke?
Dust may be hazardous to your health. In the WTC area, most federal sampling has found no or very low concentrations of toxic substances, including asbestos, although some results have been higher.

In a healthy person, it is not expected that dusts, smoke or gases from the WTC would cause permanent or serious harm, other than irritation to the eyes, nose, throat or lungs. But the conditions of people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or other lung and heart ailments may worsen.

Q. What if I feel sick?
In people who are usually healthy, it is not necessary to see a doctor for minor conditions such as eye irritation, coughing or sneezing — unless these symptoms continue for over a week. Saline drops or tap water may be used to rinse eyes irritated by dust.

People with more serious symptoms — such as shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, or worsening of an existing medical condition — should seek medical attention immediately. Members who have specific concerns should also call the union.

Q. What should my employer do about dust?
Management or landlords in leased space should arrange for workplaces in the area bounded by Chambers, Broadway, and Rector streets and the Hudson River to be professionally tested for contamination before reoccupancy. In nearby areas, the decision on testing should be made on a case-by-case basis.

If test results are positive, a technical abatement by qualified professionals is needed. In no event should dust be swept or vacuumed with a normal vacuum.

If test results are negative, management should have your workplace professionally cleaned for dust by qualified experts. The departments of Environmental Protection (1-718-DEP-HELP) and Citywide Administrative Services (www.nyc.gov/html/dcas) have issued guidelines for safe reoccupancy of buildings.

Q. What can be done to minimize indoor air quality problems?
Management and landlords in leased space should have ventilation systems inspected and, if necessary, professionally cleaned. The system should be run at full capacity for an extended period to force particles out before cleaning. After cleaning, filters should be changed and upgraded, if possible, for better protection.

Window air conditioners should be professionally cleaned and used only to recirculate air (with outside vent closed). If not cleaned, units should be sealed with plastic and duct tape.) Office windows should be kept closed.