The state of Florida is slowly recovering from Hurricane Ian’s destruction, but as people begin to remove debris, asbestos experts are expressing concern about the risk of malignant mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposed by Storm Damage Raises Risk of Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a material that was widely used in residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction during the 20th century. It was not until the mid-1970s that the dangers of the carcinogenic material were made public and its use was curtailed. But many existing buildings had asbestos hidden behind walls and contained in ceiling and floor tiles.
While asbestos in place generally poses no threat, once damaged its fibers become airborne, and there is a direct link between inhaled asbestos fibers and mesothelioma. With countless structures damaged following the hurricane, business owners, contractors, and homeowners all need to exercise extreme caution when removing waste and debris.
Protective Measures Against Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are permitting emergency renovations, but note that all structures built before 1975 are highly likely to contain asbestos and that precautions against mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases should be taken.
The precautions surrounding asbestos removal are specifically meant to avoid freeing fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. The agencies have wanted that the carcinogenic material must be handled and disposed of properly and never burned. Though buildings determined to be structurally unsound by a state or local official can be demolished without further inspection and emergency renovations of asbestos sites can begin, notice must be provided for those where there are multiple people at risk for exposure, and the agencies are suggesting wetting of debris, the use of personal protection equipment, and voiding crushing or grinding asbestos-contaminated debris.
The risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from natural disasters is frightening. For information about resources available to you, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
