Sep 15, 2009 - EPA Investigates Asbestos in Fire Debris at General Industries
U.S. Environmental Protection agents sorted through debris left by a fire at General Industries in Ohio. Because the debris may contain asbestos, a known carcinogen, EPA contractors are taking all protections and wearing correct clothing and masks required for clean up of hazardous waste. The fire destroyed a two block site and left it in rubble.
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that is known to cause several serious diseases:
- Asbestosis – scarring of the lining of the lung causing breathing difficulties
- Lung cancer – specifically related to exposure to asbestos
- Mesothelioma – an incurable cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavities
Asbestos becomes a threat to health when it is friable, meaning, when dry, can be reduced to dust by hand pressure. Debris left over after a fire is likely to be in such condition, making asbestos airborne and easy to inhale or ingest. Once asbestos enters the body, fibers can lodge in the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Symptoms of the diseases may take decades after first exposure to appear, making them quite difficult to diagnose and treat.
The EPA agency is collecting over 200 samples of bricks, floor tiles, insulation and roofing materials to see if any of the debris is contaminated with asbestos. The owner of the two block site, John Peshek, doesn’t have the money to clean up the site. In addition, because he states he doesn’t believe any threat of asbestos contamination exists, the EPA have sent in their own investigators and say they will begin clean up of the site if deemed a risk to public safety.
So far, no signs of unsafe emissions of asbestos have been discovered, however weekly checks will continue until site inspectors can be sure that debris removal will not pose a risk to anyone’s long term health.
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