Be Careful with Asbestos in Flood-damaged Homes
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AMES, Iowa – As Iowans re-enter their flood-damaged homes, in addition to the mud, muck and mold, they also may come face to face with another unwelcome guest – asbestos.
“It’s very likely that homeowners will be dealing with asbestos,” said Mary Yearns, Iowa State University Extension housing specialist. “More than 35 million residences nationwide were constructed using asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, acoustical plaster, cement, joint compound, masonry fill, sheetrock, siding and floor and ceiling tiles. When these materials are damaged by forceful floodwaters, the asbestos fibers, which are extremely tiny and have a claw-like structure, may become airborne. This puts homeowners at great risk of inhaling the fibers.”
Exposure to asbestos is a very serious concern for homeowners who are faced with cleanup after a damaging flood, Yearns continued. Contact with asbestos has been linked to the later development of mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that affects the pleural lining of the lungs. The tiny asbestos fibers can lie dormant inside the lining of the lungs for upward of fifty years. Upon diagnosis, an individual with mesothelioma will most likely succumb to this painful disease in less than two years. The survival rate for mesothelioma is less than 1 percent, and there currently is no known cure.
Cleanup of asbestos-containing materials is best left to professionals, Yearns said. However, some homeowners may be unable to cover the cost of a professional damage restoration company, or professionals may not be available because of the widespread need for their services. Then homeowners may have to take on sole responsibility for the cleanup and abatement of debris and other damaged items.
Homeowners have several ways to protect themselves from asbestos exposure, Yearns said. “First, check with your local and state health departments and be aware of asbestos-related regulations before attempting to remove and dispose of any asbestos-containing materials.”
Second, when working with asbestos-containing materials, keep the materials wet, which decreases the possibility of dust and asbestos fibers becoming brittle or easily crumbled, she continued. “Wear a protective breathing apparatus, such as a mask, to avoid the potential for inhaling the asbestos fibers. If possible, wear a NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus. In addition, make sure that all work areas are properly ventilated.”
Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and shielding eyewear, at all times during the cleanup and then dispose of the clothing. Homeowners must follow proper removal and disposal methods of asbestos-containing materials.
“When handling asbestos-containing materials, be extremely cautious to protect yourself and those around you,” Yearns said.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Web site, http://www.iowadnr.com/flood.html, has information and guidelines on dealing with asbestos in storm and flood-damaged areas.
The Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness (MAA) Center has information related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment options. The MAA Center Web site, http://www.maacenter.org/, also contains comprehensive information on jobsite asbestos exposure and appropriate safety measures.
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- Full story: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/2008/jul/121602.htm
- from Iowa State University Extension - News