Asbestos and Natural Disasters

Some of the biggest concerns after a natural disaster include availability of water and electricity, road access, and cleanup efforts, as well as financial, environmental, and human losses. Emergency management crews are trained to handle a vast variety of events and potential hazards, but few are trained on how to handle the threat of asbestos exposure in the wake of a natural disaster.

Threat of Asbestos Exposure

Countless products in schools, homes, theaters, office buildings, industrial and commercial sites, and other structures are known to contain asbestos. When left intact and in good condition, these products pose little to no harm. But once they are disturbed by a natural disaster, the contaminated products can release toxic asbestos fibers into the air and water supply.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been added to thousands of domestic, commercial, and industrial products since the late 1800s. Valued not only for its heat and fire resistance, but also for its durability and reluctance to conduct electricity, the mineral was used in thousands of products throughout the twentieth century. Construction materials are among the most prevalent products known to contain asbestos, and these materials can pose a serious threat once disturbed from a natural disaster.

Products that May Contain Asbestos

The following is a brief list of construction materials that may contain asbestos. For a more complete listing, please see our “Products” page.

• Insulation
• Plumbing
• Certain types of flooring
• Asbestos siding
• Roofing
• Ceiling materials
• Asbestos paneling
• Pipe covering
• Acoustical plaster
• Caulking, spackle, and sealing
• Paint

When asbestos-containing materials have been damaged, they are highly likely to release toxic and microscopic asbestos fibers. Once in the air or water supply, these tiny fibers are easily inhaled or ingested and can become lodged in the mesothelial lining of certain vital organs and body cavities. The body experiences much difficulty in expelling these fibers, which can accumulate and cause a great deal of damage at a cellular level over time. Asbestos is known to cause a range of terminal diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer.

Read On to Learn More

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, fires, earthquakes, and floods all have the potential to disturb asbestos-contaminated materials in homes, public and commercial buildings, and factories as well. Anyone concerned about the threat of asbestos exposure in the wake of a natural disaster should read further about the potential hazards that may be faced in such a situation. Local and state agencies, such as state departments of health and environment, can also offer further information and assistance if such an issue should arise.

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