Hazardous materials abated before demolition of flooded Cedar Rapids homes
Hundreds of homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa were destroyed by flooding in June 2008. The demolition of these homes will be underway by March. While some homes have already been torn down, the majority must first have hazardous materials such as mercury and asbestos removed. Asbestos was commonly used in older homes as insulation and fireproofing material, but inhaling its fibers can cause mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. Once the removal process is completed, the homes can be demolished and the building materials removed to a landfill without special precautions for the hazardous materials.
Demolition of the homes is expected to be completed by the end of the year, however, some delays are anticipated as not all home owners have been located and others have not agreed to the demolition. If permission to tear these homes down cannot be obtained, city inspectors may be able to complete demolition progress by declare some dwellings a nuisance.
For the full story, go to Radio Iowa.
