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Volver al Blog de AsbestosBuilding fire at a fiberglass warehouse scheduled for demolition over asbestos concerns.
Earlier this month, a fiberglass warehouse in Oregon caught fire. The Miles Fiberglass warehouse building was found to be burning in the early morning hours on September 16°. This fire was especially dangerous to residents in the area, as the building had recently been scheduled for demolition following the discovery of trace amounts of asbestos in it.
Firefighters arrived to find the largest flames on the back side of the building which had spread into the main part of the structure. They were unable to fight the fire from inside of the building for fear that the walls could potentially collapse from the damage already done by the flames.
Shelter in place order over burning building containing asbestos
Within a few hours of the firefighters arriving onsite, a shelter in place order was issued for residents within a quarter mile of the building. This was due to the environmental concerns associated with the asbestos and fiberglass particles in the air. Additionally, an apartment building across the street from Miles Fiberglass, Rosewood Apartments, was evacuated in order to keep people safe from contaminants in the air.
Following the evacuation and shelter in place precautions, the Clackamas County Development Agency, which owns the building, set forth several guidelines for cleanup of the asbestos ash and debris. These guidelines included wearing disposable gloves and a face mask (preferably N95) when handling materials containing asbestos.
Advice from authorities to avoid asbestos exposure
Authorities also instituted rules to include avoiding sweeping, vacuuming, or using a power washer to clean up debris. Officials suggested soaking the debris with a spray bottle or garden hose and then picking it up with gloves on and placing it in a plastic garbage bag. Each bag should then be placed in a second garbage bag and sealed. Additionally, after cleaning up debris, they said hands, arms, and clothing should be washed.
Several areas remain closed until further notice. There were no injuries or damage to other structures. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure
This fire brings to light a number of dangers associated with asbestos exposure. Ironically, the structure that burned down housed fiberglass, a product often used to replace asbestos. While asbestos has many useful qualities, it is highly dangerous to breathe in or swallow.
Because of this danger, asbestos has been banned in over sixty countries, and this has forced many manufacturers to search for replacement substances.
The story above is just one example of the dangers that may be presented from fires and asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are highly resistant to heat and most of the time will not burn in a standard house fire. This means that, for structures containing asbestos, a fire could present risks to people in the area.
Why is a burning building with asbestos so dangerous?
Asbestos fibers are lightweight and can easily be carried by hot air, smoke, or wind. In older buildings, you should exercise great caution in dealing with fires and the aftermath of ash and debris. Although asbestos was banned in the United States, it was never mandated that asbestos be removed from contaminated homes and other structures, and it is commonly still found in older buildings.
Risks in of asbestos in Maui Fires and Elsewhere
A recent example of this risk can be found in the recent fires in Maui, Hawaii. Wildfires in Maui grew out of control, ravaging the area. While residents of the area are eager to get back and begin recovery efforts, it may still not be safe to do so. The Department of Health warned that the ash could be toxic, causing irritation to the skin, nose, and throat. As asbestos has no taste or smell, people could be unaware that they are breathing it in. The fibers from asbestos are like tiny needles, which can puncture the lungs and other tissue creating scar tissue. A buildup of this scar tissue can create potentially fatal or chronic illnesses including cancer and asbestosis.
Other Natural Disasters and Asbestos Exposure
Fires are not the only natural disaster that can increase the risk of asbestos exposure. The city of New Orleans has many buildings that were constructed in the 1950s, 1960s, or even earlier. These buildings have been found to have large amounts of asbestos in them. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005 and Hurricane Ida hit in 2021, they caused massive damage to the city and disturbed a large amount of asbestos. In both cases, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued warnings and guidelines for safety rehabilitating destroyed homes.
Any natural disaster can increase the potential for contact with asbestos fibers as these tend to make once-encapsulated asbestos airborne. Other “acts of god,” including tornados, hurricanes and severe storms can all cause significant damage to structures containing asbestos.
Avoiding Asbestos Exposure in Older Structures
It is hard to imagine how prevalent the risks of asbestos exposure may be. Prior to the 1970s ,and even into the mid-1980s, many companies used asbestos in their products and most buildings and structures had some level of asbestos included in their construction. The concern for those near older buildings that have burned down, been demolished, or are being renovated is that asbestos fibers could be disturbed as a result. Disturbed asbestos fibers can become airborne, where they can be ingested through the mouth or nose. Once the fibers enter the lungs, they lodge themselves snuggly into tissue and remain there permanently.
Symptom Latency
An additional concern is for those who were working in an occupation that exposed them to asbestos before it was banned. Often the illnesses caused by asbestos exposure are very delayed, meaning that workers exposed during the ‘80s or earlier may just now be beginning to see the negative effects of that exposure. Most asbestos-related diseases take at least 20 years to appear, and it may take up to 50 years for symptoms to show.
Second-hand asbestos exposure is asbestos exposure.
Additionally, second-hand asbestos exposure is a concern. This happens when a person with primary exposure accidentally carries the fibers on their clothes, hair, skin, or tools and exposes others around them. These fibers can then get into a household or family vehicle, exposing spouses and children.
Homeowners and new buyers should ensure that they are aware of the presence of asbestos in their home. Yet, it is important to remember that finding asbestos is not necessarily cause for immediate concern. It is not dangerous when left undisturbed, such as when it is sealed behind walls or trapped underneath vinyl flooring. However, it’s still good to know it’s there, especially before doing any home renovations. You should also understand that you may not only expose yourself to health concerns, you could also expose yourself to liability. Anyone who knows about asbestos on a property and fails to do something about it can potentially be held liable for another coming into contact with it and developing complications.
Legal Implications of owning or renting property with asbestos
There are legal experts who can help with any of the potential issues that come with asbestos exposure and the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. You should always reach out to an expert for help in any of the situations described above. Working with an experienced attorney will help clients navigate the often-complicated legal system and ensure no mistakes are made in the filing process that may delay the receipt of compensation. There are various avenues for seeking compensation available, an attorney can help a client determine which route is best for their individual case. Don’t delay – get the help you deserve today!
