Microscopical Studies of World Trade Center Disaster Dust Particles

2002:10: Millette, Boltin, Few, Turner

Microscope, Vol 50:1 29-35

Abstract:

A dust sample collected from Maiden Lane in New York City one month after the World Trade Center (WTC) tragedy of September 11, 2001 contained approximately 35-40% mineral wool, 5-10% cellulose, and less than 1% chrysotile asbestos. The remainder, non-fibrous components as analyzed by PLM, SEM and micro-FTIR, was composed chiefly of plaster, cement particles and combustion products. Some glass shards, wood fragments, soil minerals (quartz), metal flakes, vermiculite sheets and perlite were present. Based on a TEM analysis, the population of WTC Maiden Lane sample particles in the small size range (0.5 – 2.5 um) was composed primarily of gypsum and cement fragments. Particles of the mineral wool (fibers and fragments) that made up a high percentage of the total WTC dust were present only at a trace level (<1%) in the 2.5 um range. Seven percent of the particles less than 2.5 um were chrysotile asbestos. Three percent of the particles less then 2.5 um were a fiber than has not been reported before in dust sample analysis. These fibers were composed of calcium, silicon and sulfur.

Reprints of this publication are available upon request.

You may contact us by emailing info@mvainc.com.

Please reference article “2002:10: Millette, Boltin, Few, Turner ” in your request.