Asbestos Exposure During Natural Disasters
The catastrophe continues
In just minutes or seconds, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and other natural disasters devastate homes and even whole communities and regions. Casualties from immediate dangers, such as building collapse and drowning, are tallied in the hours and days after the disaster.
But the danger to human life is not over after the storm passes. In the days and months following natural disasters, local residents and people who come to their aid may face exposure to hazardous materials. During these disasters, toxic chemicals and asbestos from damaged or destroyed buildings are released into the air and water.
Asbestos Danger in damaged buildings
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that buildings constructed before 1975—and even some built later than that—may contain a variety of asbestos products including:
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Repairing or demolishing buildings containing these components carries a high risk of asbestos exposure. During and after natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, qualified environmental authorities and asbestos remediation experts are overwhelmed by the volume of devastation. The EPA provides guidelines for those who are not experts:
- Talk to public health authorities before disturbing of removing damaged materials.
- Materials should only be handled while still wet or damp.
- Debris should be double bagged and labeled.
- Wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask.
- Avoid activities that generate dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming debris that contain asbestos.
- Temporarily move out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area properly cleaned.
First responder risks of asbestos exposure
Police officers, firefighters and other rescue workers who comb through the rubble seeking survivors are at immediate risk of asbestos exposure during natural disasters—especially if they are not wearing respirators or protective clothing.
For example, in addition to the respiratory problems already suffered by a majority of their ranks, 9/11 first responders will continue to face risks of asbestos exposure and high mesothelioma risks decades in the future.
Insurance coverage
If your property owners insurance includes coverage for losses due to natural disasters, you can file a claim for damages due to asbestos exposure during natural disasters. It should cover removal of damaged asbestos materials by a qualified contractor, replacement of damaged walls and insulation, and hotel charges if you must move out of your home during or after the disaster. A mesothelioma law firm can help you deal with your insurance company in this situation.