Whitman Denies EPA Hid 9/11 Dust Dangers

Former U.S. EPA chief Christie Whitman said Monday the agency did its best to warn workers about environmental hazards after the World Trade Center attack.

Whitman told a congressional committee she did not remember any EPA scientists advising her after the Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy that the mix of dust and gas hanging in the Manhattan air posed any long-term health risks, but rescuer crews were urged to wear respirators nonetheless.

The New York Times said Whitman said she was disappointed at the misinformation, innuendo and outright falsehoods circulating about the EPA’s alleged failure to warn first responders who are now developing illnesses blamed on inhaling toxic materials during the rescue and recovery phase.

She also denied withholding information about toxins from the general public.