Chemical analysis of World Trade Center fine particulate matter for use in toxicologic assessment

John K. McGee; Lung Chi Chen; Mitchell D. Cohen; Glen R. Chee; Colette M. Prophete; Najwa Haykal-Coates; Shirley J. Wasson; Teri L. Conner; Daniel L. Costa; Stephen H. Gavett

doi:10.1289/ehp.5930

Chemical analysis of World Trade Center fine particulate matter for use in toxicologic assessment

John K. McGee, Lung Chi Chen, Mitchell D. Cohen, Glen R. Chee, Colette M. Prophete, Najwa Haykal-Coates, Shirley J. Wasson, Teri L. Conner, Daniel L. Costa, Stephen H. Gavett

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

203 Scopus citations

Abstract

The catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 11 September 2001 caused the release of high levels of airborne pollutants into the local environment. To assess the toxicity of fine particulate matter [particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM_2.5)], which may adversely affect the health of workers and residents in the area, we collected fallen dust samples on 12 and 13 September 2001 from sites within a half-mile of Ground Zero. Samples of WTC dust were sieved, aerosolized, and size-separated, and the PM_2.5 fraction was isolated on filters. Here we report the chemical and physical properties of PM_2.5 derived from these samples and compare them with PM_2.5 fractions of three reference materials that range in toxicity from relatively inert to acutely toxic (Mt. St. Helens PM; Washington, DC, ambient air PM; and residual oil fly ash). X-ray diffraction of very coarse sieved WTC PM (< 53 μm) identified calcium sulfate (gypsum) and calcium carbonate (calcite) as major components. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that calcium-sulfur and calcium-carbon particles were also present in the WTC PM_2.5 fraction. Analysis of WTC PM_2.5 using X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry showed high levels of calcium (range, 22-33%) and sulfur (37-43% as sulfate) and much lower levels of transition metals and other elements. Aqueous extracts of WTC PM_2.5 were basic (pH range, 8.9-10.0) and had no evidence of significant bacterial contamination. Levels of carbon were relatively low, suggesting that combustion-derived particles did not form a significant fraction of these samples recovered in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the towers. Because gypsum and calcite are known to cause irritation of the mucus membranes of tile eyes and respiratory tract, inhalation of high doses of WTC PM_2.5 could potentially cause toxic respiratory effects.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	972-980
Number of pages	9
Journal	Environmental health perspectives
Volume	111
Issue number	7
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.5930
State	Published - Jun 1 2003
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Carbon analysis
ICP-AES
ICP-MS
Inhalation toxicology
Neutron activation analysis
Scanning electron microscopy
X-ray diffraction
X-ray fluorescence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1289/ehp.5930

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title = "Chemical analysis of World Trade Center fine particulate matter for use in toxicologic assessment",

abstract = "The catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 11 September 2001 caused the release of high levels of airborne pollutants into the local environment. To assess the toxicity of fine particulate matter [particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5)], which may adversely affect the health of workers and residents in the area, we collected fallen dust samples on 12 and 13 September 2001 from sites within a half-mile of Ground Zero. Samples of WTC dust were sieved, aerosolized, and size-separated, and the PM2.5 fraction was isolated on filters. Here we report the chemical and physical properties of PM2.5 derived from these samples and compare them with PM2.5 fractions of three reference materials that range in toxicity from relatively inert to acutely toxic (Mt. St. Helens PM; Washington, DC, ambient air PM; and residual oil fly ash). X-ray diffraction of very coarse sieved WTC PM (< 53 μm) identified calcium sulfate (gypsum) and calcium carbonate (calcite) as major components. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that calcium-sulfur and calcium-carbon particles were also present in the WTC PM2.5 fraction. Analysis of WTC PM2.5 using X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry showed high levels of calcium (range, 22-33%) and sulfur (37-43% as sulfate) and much lower levels of transition metals and other elements. Aqueous extracts of WTC PM2.5 were basic (pH range, 8.9-10.0) and had no evidence of significant bacterial contamination. Levels of carbon were relatively low, suggesting that combustion-derived particles did not form a significant fraction of these samples recovered in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the towers. Because gypsum and calcite are known to cause irritation of the mucus membranes of tile eyes and respiratory tract, inhalation of high doses of WTC PM2.5 could potentially cause toxic respiratory effects.",

keywords = "Carbon analysis, ICP-AES, ICP-MS, Inhalation toxicology, Neutron activation analysis, Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence",

author = "McGee, {John K.} and {Chi Chen}, Lung and Cohen, {Mitchell D.} and Chee, {Glen R.} and Prophete, {Colette M.} and Najwa Haykal-Coates and Wasson, {Shirley J.} and Conner, {Teri L.} and Costa, {Daniel L.} and Gavett, {Stephen H.}",

year = "2003",

month = jun,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1289/ehp.5930",

language = "English (US)",

volume = "111",

pages = "972--980",

journal = "Environmental health perspectives",

issn = "0091-6765",

publisher = "Public Health Services, US Dept of Health and Human Services",

number = "7",

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TY - JOUR

T1 - Chemical analysis of World Trade Center fine particulate matter for use in toxicologic assessment

AU - McGee, John K.

AU - Chi Chen, Lung

AU - Cohen, Mitchell D.

AU - Chee, Glen R.

AU - Prophete, Colette M.

AU - Haykal-Coates, Najwa

AU - Wasson, Shirley J.

AU - Conner, Teri L.

AU - Costa, Daniel L.

AU - Gavett, Stephen H.

PY - 2003/6/1

Y1 - 2003/6/1

N2 - The catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 11 September 2001 caused the release of high levels of airborne pollutants into the local environment. To assess the toxicity of fine particulate matter [particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5)], which may adversely affect the health of workers and residents in the area, we collected fallen dust samples on 12 and 13 September 2001 from sites within a half-mile of Ground Zero. Samples of WTC dust were sieved, aerosolized, and size-separated, and the PM2.5 fraction was isolated on filters. Here we report the chemical and physical properties of PM2.5 derived from these samples and compare them with PM2.5 fractions of three reference materials that range in toxicity from relatively inert to acutely toxic (Mt. St. Helens PM; Washington, DC, ambient air PM; and residual oil fly ash). X-ray diffraction of very coarse sieved WTC PM (< 53 μm) identified calcium sulfate (gypsum) and calcium carbonate (calcite) as major components. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that calcium-sulfur and calcium-carbon particles were also present in the WTC PM2.5 fraction. Analysis of WTC PM2.5 using X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry showed high levels of calcium (range, 22-33%) and sulfur (37-43% as sulfate) and much lower levels of transition metals and other elements. Aqueous extracts of WTC PM2.5 were basic (pH range, 8.9-10.0) and had no evidence of significant bacterial contamination. Levels of carbon were relatively low, suggesting that combustion-derived particles did not form a significant fraction of these samples recovered in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the towers. Because gypsum and calcite are known to cause irritation of the mucus membranes of tile eyes and respiratory tract, inhalation of high doses of WTC PM2.5 could potentially cause toxic respiratory effects.

AB - The catastrophic destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 11 September 2001 caused the release of high levels of airborne pollutants into the local environment. To assess the toxicity of fine particulate matter [particulate matter with a mass median aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 μm (PM2.5)], which may adversely affect the health of workers and residents in the area, we collected fallen dust samples on 12 and 13 September 2001 from sites within a half-mile of Ground Zero. Samples of WTC dust were sieved, aerosolized, and size-separated, and the PM2.5 fraction was isolated on filters. Here we report the chemical and physical properties of PM2.5 derived from these samples and compare them with PM2.5 fractions of three reference materials that range in toxicity from relatively inert to acutely toxic (Mt. St. Helens PM; Washington, DC, ambient air PM; and residual oil fly ash). X-ray diffraction of very coarse sieved WTC PM (< 53 μm) identified calcium sulfate (gypsum) and calcium carbonate (calcite) as major components. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that calcium-sulfur and calcium-carbon particles were also present in the WTC PM2.5 fraction. Analysis of WTC PM2.5 using X-ray fluorescence, neutron activation analysis, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry showed high levels of calcium (range, 22-33%) and sulfur (37-43% as sulfate) and much lower levels of transition metals and other elements. Aqueous extracts of WTC PM2.5 were basic (pH range, 8.9-10.0) and had no evidence of significant bacterial contamination. Levels of carbon were relatively low, suggesting that combustion-derived particles did not form a significant fraction of these samples recovered in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the towers. Because gypsum and calcite are known to cause irritation of the mucus membranes of tile eyes and respiratory tract, inhalation of high doses of WTC PM2.5 could potentially cause toxic respiratory effects.

KW - Carbon analysis

KW - ICP-AES

KW - ICP-MS

KW - Inhalation toxicology

KW - Neutron activation analysis

KW - Scanning electron microscopy

KW - X-ray diffraction

KW - X-ray fluorescence

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U2 - 10.1289/ehp.5930

DO - 10.1289/ehp.5930

M3 - Article

C2 - 12782501

AN - SCOPUS:0037899308

SN - 0091-6765

VL - 111

SP - 972

EP - 980

JO - Environmental health perspectives

JF - Environmental health perspectives

IS - 7

ER -

Chemical analysis of World Trade Center fine particulate matter for use in toxicologic assessment

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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