Asbestos Exposure: A Possible Threat after Hurricane Gustav
The federal Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, has issued a warning to residents returning home after Hurricane Gustav.
The agencies say people returning to homes damaged by the hurricane should be cautious, particularly when entering properties for the first time, to prevent possible injury or exposure to harmful toxins such as asbestos. It stands to reason that these will soon be followed by warnings for Hannah and Ike. Since asbestos can be found in numerous older, and even newer, construction materials, many homes and buildings damaged by the hurricane may contain newly disturbed asbestos-contaminated materials.
To prevent accidents and injuries, the agencies recommend that people take the following precautions with all household and other chemicals.
1. Be on the lookout for leaking containers, and household chemicals which might be dangerous. Examples include chlorine bleach and caustic drain cleaners. These items should be clearly marked as hazardous chemicals, and set aside in a safe place until they can be safely disposed of. If chemical containers are unlabeled or broken they should be left undisturbed if possible.
2. Be sure to keep children and pets well away from any chemicals, whether spilled, leaking from containers, or safely stored away.
3. Do not combine any chemicals, such as those in containers which are damaged or leaking. Dangerous or violent chemical reactions may result if two different types of chemicals are mixed.
4. Do not dispose of chemicals down household trainers, toilets, or storm sewers, and do not attempt to burn chemicals to dispose of them.
Finally, residents should also be aware that homes, commercial and industrial sites, and public buildings that have sustained damage may contain asbestos and other potentially hazardous construction materials.
Asbestos is an extremely hazardous substance that should be avoided at all costs. When inhaled or ingested, it can lead to the development of serious health conditions such as asbestosis, and cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestosis is a progressive pulmonary disorder and malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
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