Asbestos Exposure Risks in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. It nearly destroyed New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29, 2005, effectively leaving the city in ruins. Because of the historically widespread use of asbestos products throughout New Orleans, exposure to the toxic material became a central issue after the hurricane. Contaminants such as lead, pesticides and asbestos became exposed in the aftermath of the storm and suddenly posed a serious problem in the crippled city.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local officials immediately warned of deadly hazards after Hurricane Katrina. Toxins were released in leaks from industrial plants, dust from building demolition, and various other damages. The EPA further noted that all structures built prior to the mid-1970s likely contained asbestos.
Materials most likely to contain asbestos include:
- Insulation
- Roofing materials
- Floor tiles
- Millboard
Improper Asbestos Abatement in New Orleans
Even once the hurricane had passed, there were many situations in which asbestos could have been released into the air, exposing individuals nearby to airborne fibers and a risk of inhalation. Some structures were not destroyed by the hurricane but did incur damage from flood waters. Many structures that survived the hurricane were deemed unfit after floodwaters receded. Those buildings were demolished.
Because of the vast damage, demolition duties were often performed quickly and without proper resources. Many demolitions in the New Orleans area were not carried out without proper protocol, which increased the likelihood of asbestos contamination in air, soil and water.
This problem of improper asbestos abatement became rampant after Hurricane Katrina. Federal asbestos abatement regulations do not apply to the average homeowner. This led many individuals to ignore the threat of asbestos exposure during demolition. Proper safety procedures — such as dampening asbestos-containing materials, wearing disposable protective clothing and avoiding the use of power tools — often were not followed (see Asbestos Abatement for more information about regulations associated with asbestos removal).
It is important to always conduct demolitions as safely as possible. This includes minimizing the chance of asbestos exposure for those on the demolition site and in the surrounding area. As construction and demolitions continue in New Orleans, the threat of asbestos exposure is still present throughout the city.
More Information about Asbestos Exposure
Those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina or whose family members were affected can receive additional information about asbestos including the conditions associated with the material by filling out the form on the mesothelioma packet page.
-
05/18/2012 -
The Queen of Disco Donna Summer died on Thursday in her Naples, Florida, home after a quiet battle with lung cancer.
She was 63.
The five-time G ..
-
05/17/2012 -
Thoracic surgeon Robert Cameron, M.D., used his second annual Symposium for Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma last week in Los ..
-
05/17/2012 -
Researchers in Singapore have uncovered new technology for studying cancer stem cells that could spark quicker development of a more effective therapy ..
© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
