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News Release 370
FLOOD CLEANUP TIP: AVOIDING ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Volume 36-370 |
Contact: Renee Bungart |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-4465 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JUNE 20, 2008 -- Those cleaning up damage caused by recent flooding should take precautions to avoid exposure to asbestos, which can cause scarring of the lungs, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Asbestos is still used in a variety of building materials and can be found in structures today.
Institutional, public, industrial or residential structures, excluding residential structures that contain four or fewer dwelling units, must be inspected by a Missouri-certified asbestos inspector for the presence of asbestos prior to being cleaned up, renovated or demolished. Those interested in cleaning up or demolishing these structures within the St. Louis city limits or within St. Louis County should contact their local governments for additional requirements. Individuals in all other area of the state should contact the Department of Natural Resources' Air Pollution Control Program for more information on asbestos removal requirements. Debris should be kept wet to minimize asbestos emissions.
Missourians seeking resource referrals or non-emergency help, as well as those wanting to volunteer, are urged to call 211. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri and helps citizens with disaster information and referrals. In areas where 211 is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626. Information is also available on the Web at www.211missouri.org, or by
e-mailing 211missouri@stl.unitedway.org.
The Department of Natural Resources also has additional resources available to help guide flood cleanup efforts available on its Web site at www.dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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