Senator Clinton Calls For Senate Hearing On Environmental, Health Concerns At Ground ZeroSenator Reiterates Concern About Potential Long-Term Washington, DC - Today, at a Senate Environmental and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) called on the Committee to hold a hearing early next year to examine possible environmental health problems at and around Ground Zero in lower Manhattan. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Christine Todd Whitman was testifying before the EPW Committee. At today's hearing, Senator Clinton remarked, with regard to conditions around Ground Zero, "Kids are going to school, the air is being tested, but there's a lot of what we're now calling 'World Trade Center cough,' and respiratory and asthma problems. Mr. Chairman, I think this will be a good matter to hold a hearing about when we get back after the holidays, so we can try to figure out what we should be doing and how we can provide good information to the businesses and families located in the area." On October 26th, Senator Clinton sent a letter to Administrator Whitman expressing her concern about the possible long-term effects that the World Trade Center site may have on human health and the environment. In the letter, Senator Clinton requested a meeting with Administrator Whitman to discuss these concerns and determine ways to protect those who may be at risk. Senator Clinton, in the letter, wrote, "Understandably, many are deeply concerned about potential health risks associated with poor air quality at, and around, Ground Zero and I share this concern. It is my worry that poor air quality, in addition to any immediate health impacts, may have devastating long-term health effects, particularly for those that are spending a great deal of time in the area … I believe that local residents and parents with children who attend school in the area also deserve not only timely and accurate information about local air quality but also adequate protection from any potential health risks." Additionally, Senator Clinton has introduced legislation to create a health tracking system for workers and victims to monitor and study any health affects that may result from exposure to harmful substances in disasters such as the World Trade Center attack. In addition, the Senate FY 2002 Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations bill includes language regarding monitoring the health of rescue workers at the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Senator Clinton is currently pursuing $8 million for this effort.
October 26, 2001
The Honorable Christine Todd Whitman Dear Administrator Whitman: There is no doubt that we will be dealing with the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks for months and years to come. I am especially concerned about the ongoing effect that the attacks on the World Trade Center may be having on human health and the environment. I would like to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss these concerns and to determine ways in which we can work together to make certain that all possible measures are being taken to adequately protect human health and the environment in lower Manhattan, and to ensure that the public is provided with sound information about environmental quality around "Ground Zero." I was deeply alarmed by a report in today's New York Daily News that Environmental Protection Agency's own monitoring at, and around, Ground Zero has shown levels of benzene, lead, and sulfur dioxide in air samples that significantly exceed EPA and OSHA standards. The Daily News also reports that EPA has found high levels of dioxin, PCBs and metals in water being discharged into the Hudson River from the site. This is in addition to previous concerns regarding high levels of asbestos in air and dust samples at, and around, Ground Zero. I believe that the way in which technical and scientific information is conveyed to the public, particularly when it may have public health implications, is just as important as the monitoring itself. I know that some of this information is now posted on your website, and I want to commend you for such efforts, but I believe that we must take further action. That is why I have called for a long-term, national public education campaign on bioterrorism, so that the government can consistently and effectively provide information to parents and families about these concerns. I believe the American people still do not have as much information as they need about both the range of potential health threats and the actions they can take to protect themselves and their families. I would like to work with you and Secretary Thompson to identify the best way for the government to mount a broad, sustained public education campaign in order to avoid unnecessary confusion, misinformation, and misinterpretation. Understandably, many are deeply concerned about potential health risks associated with poor air quality at, and around, Ground Zero and I share this concern. It is my worry that poor air quality, in addition to any immediate health impacts, may have devastating long-term health effects, particularly for those that are spending a great deal of time in the area. That is why I have been working to get funding to conduct both baseline health assessments and continued health monitoring of first responders and others who are spending large periods of time at and around Ground Zero. While I understand that the most serious air pollution is concentrated directly at the site, I believe that local residents and parents with children who attend school in the area also deserve not only timely and accurate information about local air quality but also adequate protection from any potential health risks. I know that you and your agency have experienced first-hand the devastating impact of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and, in particular, those working in EPA Region 2. Despite the disruption of the Region 2 offices, your Agency responded quickly to the disaster at the World Trade Center and has managed to maintain a continued presence at and around the site. I want to thank you and your staff for their assistance, dedication, and concern, and to extend my sympathies to all those who have been personally affected by this devastating event. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Hillary Rodham Clinton
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