How natural disasters may release hidden dangers

By most accounts, 2020 has been a trying year. People across the United States have struggled with an ongoing pandemic, as well as its economic fallout. And then we have the various storms and fires that have ripped through cities and countryside.

Every year brings a new batch of tornados, wildfires and hurricanes. They tear down buildings, burn them up and leave people reeling. In 2020, the Midwest was also hit by a straight-line windstorm known as a derecho. It raced through Nebraska, Iowa and other states, felling trees, destroying homes, damaging crops and acting much like an inland hurricane. And in the wake of all this visible devastation, it’s also important to remember the invisible hazards.

Damage to buildings may release asbestos

As the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reminded Iowans in the wake of the derecho, many older buildings contained materials built with asbestos. Those materials may not have presented a hazard while they were intact, but damage to those materials can release fibers into the air. This is also true after hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes, as the news reminded people after tornadoes ravaged Tennessee in the spring.

Volunteers want to be careful

In both Iowa and Tennessee, authorities were keen to point out the potential risk of asbestos exposure because people often volunteer their time and energy toward disaster recoveries. It can be inspiring to see people rally together for the good of their communities, but it’s also important for these people to take proper steps to ensure their safety.

Disaster sites often contain numerous toxic substances, including asbestos, and exposure to those toxins may have immediate or delayed consequences. As an example, studies found that the firefighters and first responders who worked through the wreckage of the World Trade Center after 9/11 were much more likely to develop cancer than their peers.

Safety precautions for disaster recovery

No one wants to discourage people from helping their neighbors and communities. However, it’s likely worth the extra time and effort to work safely. You can:

  • Minimize your disturbance of any materials that may release asbestos fibers and other toxins into the air. Move them as little as possible. Avoid breaking them apart when possible.
  • Wet down materials to keep the fibers from rising into the air.
  • Properly dispose of hazardous materials. When in doubt, treat any suspicious materials as though they are hazardous.
  • Avoid burning materials that could release asbestos or other toxins into the air.
  • Wear protective clothing and gear, including gloves, goggles and face masks or respirators. You want to keep any asbestos fibers out of your lungs and off your skin.

While you’re far more likely to develop mesothelioma or another form of cancer due to prolonged asbestos exposure, there’s no amount of exposure known to be safe. Taking the proper precautions may spare you from greater hardship years or decades down the line.

Be the voice of caution

Everyone likes to see communities rally together as they recover from disasters. However, when the people doing the work are volunteers, they may not understand all the risks. There are reasons the government requires certified asbestos abatement professionals for certain jobs.

In the wake of a disaster, it may not be possible to wait for these asbestos professionals. But you may be able to limit everyone’s risk of exposure. You can ask about any possible threat and remind people of the different ways they can minimize their risk.