Those Cleaning Up After California Fires Warned to Beware of Asbestos Fibers

June 4, 2009

The latest group of fires to tear through California has been located in Santa Barbara County. Authorities in this area have warned residents and cleanup crews to be cautious in handling remains, so as not to stir up asbestos fibers. Homes that were built more than 20 years ago are likely to contain such contaminants. When they are burnt and released into the air, they can become inhaled. This is known to be a carcinogen, causing the deadly cancer, known as mesothelioma.

The following is a list of tips from the Santa Barbara Air Pollution Control District about how to clean up asbestos-laden materials:

·         Avoid mixing of suspected asbestos-containing materials with other debris. 

·         Where asbestos-containing materials are suspected to be mixed with debris, ALL debris is assumed to be contaminated and should be wet adequately, double-bagged in thick plastic sheeting, recorded on a manifest and disposed of as asbestos-containing waste. 

·         A survey by a certified asbestos consultant and/or site technician may be conducted to separate asbestos materials from other debris in order to reduce the amount of debris that needs to be disposed of as asbestos-containing waste, or to clear a site as non-hazardous. 

·         The ONLY accepted test for bulk suspected asbestos-containing materials are Polarized Light Microscopy; testing is typically done to prove that there is NOT asbestos in the material.

·         Adequate wetting is required for removal and demolition for all asbestos-containing material.

·         For wetting small areas, use a spray dispenser. For larger areas, use a water hose with a nozzle for a fine, low-pressure spray or mist.  When available, use water mixed with a wetting agent or surfactant. 

·         Wetting down vehicles prior to leaving the property is advised. Respiratory protection and suitable Tyvek-style clothing is advised during inspection of dry burn sites. Decontamination of the clothing and breathing apparatus is advised at the end of the inspection.  Disposable Tyvek suits should be disposed of as hazardous waste. 

·         Where asbestos-containing materials are known or assumed to be present, the debris should be stabilized by wetting and covered with plastic sheeting until it is scheduled to be removed.  Wind-blown dry materials will release hazardous asbestos fibers.  

• Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of at a landfill approved to receive asbestos.