Handing Asbestos In Flood Situations

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

As with most water damage situations a flooding event can come with its own set of unique problems.  As you review a list of action items to address consider health and safety expectations. One item of importance is the possible presence of asbestos in affected building materials. Water damage can loosen and dislodge other fibrous particles that can cause health effects. 

Asbestos has been present in construction and insulation products for decades, with the height of its use occurring prior to the 1970s. While asbestos is regulated today as a result of the risks inherent in exposure, it is not banned in the United States and is occasionally still present in some materials.

According to the U.S. Consumer Production Safety Commission (CPSC), you can expect to find asbestos in the following materials:

•  Roofing materials
  •    Insulation materials
  •    Textured paints and patching materials
  •    Within walls and flooring
  •    Around pipes and plumbing

While asbestos is relatively benign while undisturbed within a structure, it becomes incredibly hazardous once exposed and airborne. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes asbestos as a human carcinogen, meaning it is capable of causing health effects to those who have been exposed to it. Thus, flooding and water damage restoration activities can displace and disturb asbestos, posing a possible threat.

When conducting water damage restoration on buildings that have experienced a water loss event, in many cases demolition must occur in order properly sanitize the structure. Prior to conducting any demolition or remediation activities, we test for asbestos per Washington State Law. You can reassured SERVPRO of Edmonds always follows proper asbestos protocol to ensure safety for all.