Residents of Richmond, Indiana thought chemical-laden fumes from the recent plastics recycling facility fire were their biggest problem, but recent EPA warnings suggest longer-term concerns over the risk of malignant mesothelioma. Debris that’s been found as far as a mile-and-a-half away from the plant has tested positive for chrysotile asbestos.
Richmond, Indiana Fire Spread Asbestos Debris, Raising Fears of Mesothelioma
When thick black smoke began billowing across the town of Richmond, Indiana last Tuesday, residents were immediately concerned about inhaling chemicals, but now that the fire has been extinguished, officials have turned their attention to asbestos, the mineral that causes malignant mesothelioma.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is on the scene and is well aware of the connection between asbestos debris and malignant mesothelioma. While residents describe particles “falling like snow,” Jason Sewell, an on-scene EPA coordinator, provided specific instructions to residents. “If you think you have debris in your yard, don’t disturb the debris for now.” He said that mowing would be the worst thing that people could do, and that people should wait “until we come out with more instructions on outdoor cleanup.”
Asbestos Exposure is Directly Linked to Malignant Mesothelioma
The fire and the publicity that followed have raised the public’s awareness of asbestos and its link to the rare form of cancer. News reports have quoted the American Cancer Society, which says, “Although the risk of mesothelioma increases with the amount of asbestos exposure, there is no clear safe level of asbestos exposure in terms of mesothelioma risk.”
Though most people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma are exposed to the mineral in the workplace, many people end up inhaling the carcinogenic fibers after disasters or fires like the Richmond, Indiana plastics plant conflagration, when materials that were used in the facility’s construction are damaged.
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and you need more information, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
