Kdhe issues post-storm asbestos warning

After recent storms the Kansas Department of Health and Environments has issued a general warning to remind residents of storm-damaged areas that asbestos exposure is a possibility which should be guarded against while cleaning up debris. Asbestos was a common component of construction materials up until the 1980s due to its high fire resistance and other desirable factors. Asbestos was so cheap and had so many desirable properties that it was added to thousands of products, including many types of construction materials. Asbestos is therefore present in many residential, commercial, and industrial buildings built before this time. However, due to the hazards associated with asbestos exposure, many problems associated with its exposure are now arising. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lethal diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma due to the chronic inflammation that the fibers cause in the lungs. These hazards mean it is necessary to take extra safety precautions when working with asbestos and asbestos-containing products. Department of Health and Environments regulations require that if any resident hires a contractor to remove asbestos, the contractor be licensed. However, homeowners can opt to do the work themselves. In these cases, the DHE recommends that the following practices be used to help minimize the risks of exposure to asbestos: Wearing gloves, overalls and a respirator during removal, and thorough shower and washing after removal of debris to remove fibers and dust that might be on the body. The clothing which is used during removal should be kept separate from any other clothing and any uncontaminated areas. When removing materials which are suspected to contain asbestos, the materials should be wetted with low-pressure water, to minimize the dispersal of asbestos dust and fibers. Only materials which absolutely need to be removed should be disturbed, and breakage of asbestos materials should be minimized as much as possible. During any demolition and removal of asbestos, the materials should be kept wet. In addition, the materials should be kept wet and covered (by a tarp or similar item) during transportation to a licensed landfill. Asbestos must only be disposed of at approved sites which are equipped and licensed to handle the substance. The DHE also says that residents can consult with the department if they need additional help, including any on-site direction on how to safely proceed with asbestos removal. According to the DHE, materials likely to contain asbestos including ceiling and floor tiles, textured ceilings, roofing materials, siding, vermiculite insulation, pipe wrapping materials, acoustical panels, and cement materials such as pipes and millboard. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)