Air samples were collected during demolition and cleanup operations in the Lakeview district of New Orleans, Louisiana,USA, in late 2005 during the period immediately after Hurricane Katrina. Three different high-volume air samples were collected around waste collection areas that were created to temporarily hold the debris from the cleanup of residential properties in the area. Particular teconcentrations were elevated and included crystalline fibers associated with asbestos. Metal concentrations on particulate matter aesembled those measured in sediments deposited by floodwaters with the exception of B a, which was elevated at all three locations. The highest organic contaminant concentration measured on particulates was the pesticide Ziram (Zinc, bis[diethylcarbamodithioato-S,S0]-,[T-4]-) at 2,200 mg/g of particulate matter during sampling period 2. Ziram is used in latex paint, adhesives, caulking, and wallboard as apreservative. Fungal isolates developed from particulate air samples included species associated with disease including Aspergillus and Penicillium species. These data represent the most comprehensive assessment of demolition activities during the period immediately after Hurricane Katrina. © 2010 SETAC.