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SO CAL FIRES - The devastating wildfires tearing through southern California have claimed lives and destroyed properties. Among the dangers left behind by the destruction is toxic asbestos. It now poses a serious health risk to residents returning to their properties.
Once confined within the walls, floors, and structures of older homes and buildings, the heat from the fires has broken the asbestos apart, scattering it throughout the debris. This naturally occurring mineral, found in many older constructions and vehicles, is highly hazardous, as it is the sole cause of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer responsible for about 2,500 deaths annually in the U.S. The release of asbestos in the aftermath of such wildfires underscores the lingering dangers survivors face long after the flames subside.
Wash Cleanup clothes
Clothing worn at the cleanup site may be contaminated with asbestos debris, which is invisible to the naked eye and undetectable due to the microscopic size of the fibers. Bringing these clothes into your home or any confined space before proper cleaning poses a serious risk.
Asbestos fibers can linger in tight spaces like rooms or vehicles, leading to long-term contamination and easy inhalation. This is a common way friends and family can experience second hand asbestos exposure. To stay safe, remove the clothing, seal it in a bag, and clean it thoroughly before bringing it into your temporary residence. If you're unsure, it’s safer to dispose of the contaminated clothing entirely.
Swap Out Furniture and Appliances
If any household items survived the fires, they could be contaminated with asbestos debris, making it too dangerous to attempt salvaging them. As a precaution, replace items like furniture or appliances, especially those with fabric or porous surfaces, such as sofas with soft cushions. Blankets are also high-risk items that should be discarded. While harder surfaces are less likely to retain asbestos fibers and are easier to clean, it’s better to prioritize safety over saving money when deciding whether to keep any household items.
Leave the Debris to the Experts
Avoid the cleanup site until professionals have cleared the debris and air quality experts confirm it’s safe to return. Whenever possible, let trained professionals handle debris removal. Wait for the air to clear and consider finding temporary housing in the meantime.
While the urge to return and rebuild quickly is understandable, it’s not worth risking long-term health issues, like cancer, from unknowingly inhaling toxic asbestos. If you unfortunately get exposed, the best mesothelioma attorneys in Massachusetts and California can help you understand your legal options after exposure.
Use Safety Gear
During cleanup efforts, asbestos fibres can be inhaled, swallowed, or cling to your skin or hair. Using protective equipment is essential for reducing exposure to these hazardous particles. Experts recommend wearing N95 masks or respirators to shield your nose and mouth from contaminated air. These, along with goggles, protect your eyes.
While these measures don’t provide absolute protection, they significantly lower the risk of exposure and related health conditions. Gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants help protect the skin by keeping fibers confined to removable clothing or equipment, ensuring safer practices during cleanup activities.
Endnote
The increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires will endanger more buildings, while asbestos mines continue to pose a significant threat. Together, these issues ensure that fires will perpetuate asbestos-related risks until proper remediation and containment are achieved. Advocacy groups are actively combating these dangers by raising awareness about asbestos exposure risks and advocating for a nationwide asbestos ban.
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