Residents in flood and storm-damaged areas should take precautions to avoid being exposed to asbestos while getting rid of storm debris, warns the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The danger is presented by building materials used prior to 1980, when asbestos was commonly used. KDHE regulations require that contractors removing asbestos be licensed. If homeowners choose to do the work themselves, the following rules should be observed to minimize exposure to asbestos:
Wear a respirator, gloves, coveralls and hard hats. Shower thoroughly after debris removal. Materials that could contain asbestos should be dampened with water before removal. Only disturb materials that need to be removed. Knock down structures wall-by-wall, folding each wall in on itself to minimize excess breakage of asbestos-containing material. Keep asbestos materials wet during transport for disposal at approved sites only.
Materials that could contain asbestos include the following items in structures built before 1980: ceiling and floor tiles, roofing shingles and felt, siding, vermiculite attic insulation, pipe insulation, acoustical panels, and asbestos-cement pipes, millboard and corrugated sheet items.
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