ASBESTOS AND EARTHQUAKES
Many products used in construction, renovations, or remodeling, including joint compound, fireproofing, fire-rated drywall, and acoustical ceiling texture, contained asbestos through approximately the late 1970s. Some of our clients were exposed to asbestos in these products when they poured, mixed, applied, sanded, cut, drilled through, or disturbed these products.
Once the products are in place, however, and exposure to the asbestos contained therein is unlikely, unless the products are once again disturbed, removed, or demolished in a way that creates dust. One way such disturbance can occur is if older buildings and homes containing asbestos are knocked down or damaged is by a natural disaster such as an earthquake.
Almost everyone, especially people from the Bay Area of California, recall the San Francisco earthquake, which occurred on October 17, 1989, and registered 7.1 on the Richter scale. Along with portions of the Bay Bridge, this very large earthquake destroyed structures and buildings which contained asbestos-containing products and materials in San Francisco.
This incident, along with a similar potential release of asbestos as a result of damaged caused by Hurricane Hugo the same year, prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to start considering and planning for the potential of asbestos release, and the associated hazards, caused by natural disasters.
The associated hazards of exposure to asbestos are mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Anyone who is in the vicinity of the disaster or involved in clean up and relief efforts run the risk of exposure and related illnesses.
There are steps that can be taken before a natural disaster occurs which will reduce the risk of release of asbestos and make the clean-up process much easier. Abatement contractors and inspectors can come into a home or building that contains asbestos and professionally and safely remove and transport the asbestos-containing materials to a properly designated landfill that is qualified and certified to handle asbestos.
Removing the asbestos is one way to improve safety after a natural disaster. However, removing asbestos from a home or building does not completely erase the risk. Because asbestos fibers are light and durable, they have the potential to remain in the air for a long time, as long as several weeks. This means that damage to structures near you that have not had their asbestos properly abated can still present the risks of inhaling asbestos.
During and after a natural disaster where buildings, especially those constructed before 1980, are damaged or destroyed, take precautions to avoid inhalation of asbestos. If you suspect you have already been exposed and are experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma, seek out medical advice immediately.
