EPA urges caution for those returning to areas affected by Katrina
Washington, D.C., Sept. 4–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
other federal, state and local officials are urging individuals to use
caution when returning to hurricane-damaged homes and buildings. EPA
today issued an advisory to the public that provides general guidance to
help address potential hazards in structures damaged by hurricane
Katrina.
EPA urges the public to be on the alert for leaking containers and
reactive household chemicals, like caustic drain cleaners and chlorine
bleach, and take the following necessary precautions to prevent injury
or further damage:
Keep children and pets away from leaking or spilled chemicals.
Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers as this may
produce dangerous or violent reactions.
Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers or toilets.
Do not attempt to burn household chemicals.
Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be
properly disposed of
Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever
possible.
Individuals should exercise caution when disturbing building materials
to prevent physical injury or other health effects. Building materials
may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos that when carried by
the air can be breathed in and cause adverse health effects. If it is
suspected that asbestos containing materials may be present, they
should not be disturbed. Asbestos containing materials include the
following:
boiler/pipe insulation
fireproofing
floor tiles
asbestos roofing
transite boards used in laboratory tabletops and in acoustics in
auditoriums, music rooms and phone booths.
Federal, state and local personnel are being deployed to the
hurricane-affected areas to establish debris-management programs,
including household hazardous waste collection and disposal programs.
These efforts may take days or weeks to come to all communities. In the
meantime, EPA urges the public to exercise caution and report concerns
to local environmental, health and waste disposal authorities.