Flooding in North Dakota leaves residents vulnerable to exposure to asbestos

Flood waters have receded and assistance, but remains hidden danger — though silent and slow — in places like Minot, North Dakota.

North Dakota Health Department warns residents and those volunteers who come this week to help with the cleanup that the presence of asbestos and the risks it poses should not be taken lightly.

Catastrophic flood, whose costs have reached approximately $ 1 billion for the entire territory of the State, left the bulk of the project, which includes gutting homes and businesses before beginning the recovery.

Cleanup, especially for structures built before 1990 can be harmful for those who are nearby, unless appropriate precautions are taken.  Officials issued a warning in late July after viewing asbestos-laced rubble remain curbside inhabitants.

The most obvious is the isolation of vermiculite, haphazardly radiator attics and walls that were affected by flooding. Asbestos also prevails within the flooring, duct work, framed walls and concrete blocks.

Exposure to asbestos fibers, which are microscopic and frequently inhaled, can lead to mesothelioma cancer, whose symptoms can lay dormant for 50 years before becoming a problem.

According to a press release from the North Dakota Department of health, a large part of vermiculite are taken from the mines in Libby, Montana, which were closed in 1990 after there were many cases of exposure to asbestos.

Warning, which was supported by the environmental protection agency, urges residents to enjoy professional contractors who have the knowledge and equipment for the safe disposal of asbestos. Licensed professionals to combat pollution requires only commercial buildings and multi-family residential buildings of four or more units.

Residents of single-family homes are able to do this job themselves, which can be dangerous. Asbestos becomes especially difficult when he begins to crumble, Fry, tear or becomes fragile.

According to the Bismarck Tribune more than 4000 houses were flooded in the Minot, mainly from the Souris River, which flows from Canada to the North, Central North Dakota. And many homes still need to be Gutted before developing mold. Buses filled with volunteers from Bismarck, will arrive throughout the week.

Among the recommendations:

When processing materials containing asbestos must wear gloves, goggles and HEPA FILTER Respirator. Asbestos materal must be processed during wet or damp, extracted and properly labeled twice. Tape from the Gutted with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination of other areas of the House. Keep wet insulation to prevent the spread of dust. use windows for ventilation and to eliminate all dust and debris, using the methods of the wet scavenging. temporarily move your family members (especially children and pregnant women) out of the House until the work has been completed.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 4: 59 pm and is filed under asbestos exposure, mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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