Home Health Asbestos Risk Management During Natural Disasters

Asbestos Risk Management During Natural Disasters

by Contributing Writer
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As the effects of climate change increase, disasters continue to shirk the expected seasonal rules, occurring with ever-increasing frequency and intensity. Natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure among first responders, cleanup crews, and nearby residents. Learn how to prevent asbestos exposure when preparing for and cleaning up after a natural disaster.

Many homes and commercial buildings constructed before the 1980s were built with asbestos materials. Those products are considered safe as long as they are in good condition. But once ripped, broken, burned, blown, or washed away, the products release toxic asbestos fibers into the air.

Breathing in these fibers after a natural disaster can lead to serious health conditions years later. The more someone is exposed to asbestos, the higher their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as cancer.  Asbestos fibers are microscopic and travel by air or in clouds of dust, so you can be exposed.  It is essential to consider and properly prepare for asbestos exposure prevention when planning for natural disasters and severe weather. Knowing how to keep safe from asbestos after a disaster can help prevent health conditions later in life.

Where is asbestos found today?

Asbestos was once used in homes because it is fire resistant, strong, flexible, insulating, and soundproof. The places in the home where it was used are as follows: Insulation in pipes, furnaces, and attics, ceilings, cable sheathing, floors, garages, paints and soundproofing materials.

Emergency Response plans

Emergencies can create a variety of hazards for everyone in the affected area. Preparing before an emergency incident plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of residents, rescue personnel, security personnel, volunteers, and others. These people are exposed to a variety of hazards resulting from natural disasters, including fires, windstorms, floods, landslides, earthquakes and many other events.

Burned and damaged buildings can create exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as lead and asbestos. Water damage can lead to mold growth and increases the risk of waterborne illnesses. Ensure that good ventilation and adequate respiratory protection are used when workers are exposed to safety and health hazards, especially during damage assessment and cleanup work.

The Emergency Responder Health Monitoring and Surveillance (ERHMS) framework provides recommendations for protecting emergency response and recovery. As the first people on the scene, emergency response crews and early response volunteers face an increased risk of asbestos exposure in the wake of a natural disaster because of all the debris. The risk of health effects increases over time and depends upon the frequency and amount of asbestos exposure.

Disasters can create emotional and mental health challenges, especially for first responders who provide direct rescue, recovery, and cleanup. Have a plan to help workers affected by disasters.

General tips to minimize asbestos exposure:

  • If materials must be moved, wet them first so that the fibers are less likely to become airborne. Asbestos abatement contractors will be familiar with proper removal and disposal regulations. In each state, there are regulations that govern the removal and management of asbestos-containing materials after a natural disaster. You can find these requirements by locating the local EPA in your state.
  • Use only properly fitted NIOSH-Approved, N-100 or P-100 respirators. Do not use basic paper or fiber dusk masks, handkerchiefs or other, lower-grade air respirators, which will provide you with little or no protection from asbestos fibers.
  • Wet or cover asbestos-related debris to minimize dust, and always wear additional protective gear, such as boots, coveralls and gloves during removal.
  • Double bag all building debris.
  • Enclose the work area with plastic sheeting and duct tape to minimize dust.
  • Only disturb construction materials that must be removed and minimize any excess breakage to prevent the release of dust and fibers into the air.
  • Be sure to thoroughly shower and wash once you have completed debris removal to remove any dust and fibers that could become airborne.
  • It is recommended to properly dispose of your clothes or wear disposable coveralls when handling asbestos materials. Washing clothes covered in asbestos dust or tiny fibers interwoven into the fabric can lead to exposure for you and your family members.

Asbestos Exposure Prevention Tips for Wildfires

If there is a wildfire in your area, get to safety right away. Evacuate and know your community’s evacuation routes.

According to Ready.gov, FEMA’s national public service campaign encouraging Americans to plan for disasters, it recommends using an N-95 mask to prevent breathing in airborne particles. However, these masks are not designed to filter finer particles such as asbestos fibers. Only an N-100 or P-100 respirator will properly filter out tiny asbestos fibers that may be mixed with smoke and ash.

How to Prevent Asbestos Exposure After a Hurricane or Tornado

The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure after a hurricane is to wear safety equipment during cleanup and restoration efforts. This includes a NIOSH-approved N-100 or P-100 respirator and other protective gear such as goggles, gloves, boots, and disposable coveralls.

How to Prevent Asbestos Exposure After Floods

A home affected by flood waters becomes a source of asbestos exposure because damaged flooring, drywall, and ceilings may contain asbestos. Water can damage even the strongest structures and disturb asbestos products in ways that release fibers when the material dries.

Floods can also disturb naturally occurring asbestos deposits. Asbestos fibers from natural deposits are easily carried by flood waters into communities and local water sources.

For severely damaged structures built before 1980, demolition should only be performed by individuals who are trained in the asbestos NESHAP regulations. A certified asbestos abatement supervisor should be on-site or available by phone to provide guidance and assistance.

All demolition workers should use equipment specifically designed to protect them from asbestos exposure during demolition and handling of debris, especially respirators that are required by OSHA regulations.

Importance of Proper Handling and Disposal:

  • Provide guidelines for handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials safely.
  • Recommend hiring certified asbestos abatement professionals for removal and cleanup.
  • Discuss local regulations and resources for asbestos disposal.

Post-Disaster Asbestos Testing and Monitoring:

  • Encourage post-disaster asbestos testing to ensure safety.
  • Discuss the importance of ongoing monitoring for asbestos exposure risks.
  • Provide information on available resources for asbestos testing and monitoring.
  • Advocate for community education on asbestos risks and safety measures.
  • Encourage collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.
  • Provide resources for further information and assistance.

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