Hurricane Debris: Asbestos Flooring and Carpets

Another danger from hurricanes: asbestos debris

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used up until the mid-1980s. It was commonly applied to flooring materials, such as in tiles and carpeting, and as well as in insulation beneath floorboards. If these materials are damaged during a hurricane, or while renovating an older home, fibers can become airborne and pose a serious health risk.

One of the most significant risks associated with asbestos-containing flooring is that it’s relatively easy for microscopic fibers to become disturbed, either through renovation or demolition. This is especially true in the wake of a hurricane, of course, when the debris is scattered every which way, and cleanup efforts commence in the aftermath.

Even embedded asbestos fibers can become airborne if a product is torn, damaged and tossed around… as unfortunately hurricanes often do.

While some types of asbestos-containing tiling and carpeting may be less dangerous than others (such as those that are well-maintained and not damaged), even these can become hazardous when the integrity of the material is compromised. Thus, as a homeowner in New Orleans, or the surrounding areas, understanding the exposure risks associated with hurricane season is important. If one plans to refurbish or demolish an older home, or if they plan to remove post-hurricane rubble, taking precautions while doing so is vital. 

The prominence of historic buildings in New Orleans means there is more residual asbestos.

In New Orleans, specifically, there are many historic buildings – both commercial and residential – and there is a high likelihood of asbestos-containing materials being present. Here are some precautionary measures that should be followed when working around asbestos-containing flooring:

Exposición al asbesto de segunda mano (exposición secundaria al asbesto)

Incluso las familias de los trabajadores se vieron afectadas debido a la exposición indirecta: las fibras de asbesto son extremadamente duraderas y pueden adherirse a la piel y la ropa, recorriendo grandes distancias con las personas directamente expuestas.

Las fibras de asbesto no tienen sabor ni olor, y pueden ser microscópicas, por lo que es posible que no se dé cuenta de que las estaba respirando.

Desafortunadamente, muchas familias de trabajadores y otros miembros del hogar también estuvieron expuestos al asbesto, ya que el asbesto se traía a casa diariamente en los vecindarios de los EE. UU. en la ropa de trabajo.. 

Esto a menudo se conoce como exposición secundaria o exposición de segunda mano (or domestic / household family asbestos exposure). In studies of asbestos disease, 1 in 5 cases of asbestos exposure were caused by secondary asbestos exposure.¹

Desafortunadamente, muchas familias de trabajadores y otros miembros del hogar también estuvieron expuestos al asbesto, ya que el asbesto se traía a casa diariamente en los vecindarios de los EE. UU. en la ropa de trabajo.

Asbestos testing and abatement should ideally be conducted by an experienced and licensed professional.

Should asbestos be present, removing it should never be a DIY job. Attempting to do so will only increase the risk of exposure, and improper disposal of asbestos-containing materials can mean legal trouble. While it can be costly to remove asbestos the right way, cutting corners could lead to unexpected costs down the line. 

If planning to work near (or in) an older home, especially in the aftermath of a hurricane, wearing protective clothing and a respirator to avoid inhaling airborne fibers is also key. Assuming that debris contains toxins is the best way to ensure the necessary precautions are taken.

Asbestos may not be a primary concern during a hurricane. But it should be considered, especially when dealing with clean up.

Nonfriable asbestos generally will not pose a hazard to one’s health. However, hurricanes cause massive destruction and tend to stir up latent fibers, causing them to become friable and be inhaled. Thus, more often than not, even areas that were deemed low risk become high risk after a natural disaster. 

Seeking medical attention and getting re-checked regularly should a person suspect they’ve been exposed will ensure their health is maintained, or at the very least, an early diagnosis and treatment is made possible.

Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, contacting a law firm that specializes in asbestos claims can help a client navigate the often-complicated legal process and mean securing the compensation necessary to pay for medical bills and improve one’s quality of life.