Collected Dust
Photo credit: Conservation staff
Accession Number: C.2012.133.1
Dimensions: 7.75 in X 4 in
Dimensions (Metric): 19.685 cm X 10.16 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 19.685 cm X 10.16 cm
Source: Dr. Paul J. Lioy, Ph.D.
Credit Line: Gift of Paul J. Lioy, Ph.D and Clifford P. Weisel, Ph.D, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), NJ
Description
Large, brown light-sensitive glass jar containing collected dust and soil from a residential park on South and Market Streets on September 16, 2001. The dust was collected by the Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute's - Exposure Science Department's - Dr. Paul Lioy. A sticker on the outside of the jar lists the contents' weight as 399.5 gm; it is dated 9/24/01.
Large, brown light-sensitive glass jar containing collected dust and soil from a residential park on South and Market Streets on September 16, 2001. The dust was collected by the Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute's - Exposure Science Department's - Dr. Paul Lioy. A sticker on the outside of the jar lists the contents' weight as 399.5 gm; it is dated 9/24/01.
Historical Notes
By the night of September 11, 2001, environmental health experts realized the potential dangers of the dust clouds that had spread across and settled on lower Manhattan. Within days, researchers began collecting and analyzing dust samples, anticipating the illnesses that people exposed to the dust might face.
By October 2001, early test results heightened the experts’ concerns. Ultimately, analysis found 352 chemical agents in the dust that came from component parts of the concrete, insulation, jet fuel, electrical and computer equipment, and plastics that had been pulverized. Dr. Paul Lioy, one of the lead researchers, also identified unusually high concentrations of glass particles in the dust. In its immediate impact, the dust was particularly damaging to the sinuses and gastrointestinal tract.
By the night of September 11, 2001, environmental health experts realized the potential dangers of the dust clouds that had spread across and settled on lower Manhattan. Within days, researchers began collecting and analyzing dust samples, anticipating the illnesses that people exposed to the dust might face.
By October 2001, early test results heightened the experts’ concerns. Ultimately, analysis found 352 chemical agents in the dust that came from component parts of the concrete, insulation, jet fuel, electrical and computer equipment, and plastics that had been pulverized. Dr. Paul Lioy, one of the lead researchers, also identified unusually high concentrations of glass particles in the dust. In its immediate impact, the dust was particularly damaging to the sinuses and gastrointestinal tract.
