The Hidden Dangers of Disaster Cleanup: Toxic Exposure
With over 16,200 structures destroyed and 29 lives lost, it’s clear that the recent LA fires have devastated communities. But as emergency services and federal agencies begin cleaning up the debris left behind, it’s clear that the dangers are far from over. In fact, clearing up after disasters such as wildfires and explosions presents numerous health risks to the public and emergency personnel. But what hidden dangers lurk in the rubble and waste left behind, and what should you do if exposed to contaminated waste? Let’s take a look.
Why Do Disasters Create “Toxic” Waste?
Disasters––including fires, storms, and explosions––cause widespread damage. This damage generates debris from various sources. The most common types of disaster debris include:
● Building materials, e.g., drywall, paint, and asbestos
● Cars and other damaged vehicles
● Household waste
● Organic waste, e.g., trees, leaves, sediment
Some of this debris, such as rubble, damaged car parts, and chemicals, cause toxic substances such as asbestos and lead to be released. These substances cause contamination e.g. through water supplies and polluted air.
Hazardous Waste and Health Risks
Unsurprisingly, this contamination poses significant health risks. Let’s consider the types of hazardous waste associated with recent US disasters and how they could affect public health.
LA Wildfires
As the US Environmental Protection Agency undertakes its largest wildfire cleanup in its history, the hazardous waste we should be concerned about includes:
● Asbestos materials
● Lithium-ion batteries
● Herbicides
● Pesticides
● Paint
While the public health impact remains unclear, there’s a significant risk of illnesses, including asbestos-related disease.
Hurricane Katrina
Following Hurricane Katrina, polluted flood waters caused widespread contamination. Fuel, sewage, and other toxic waste entered water supplies and posed significant health risks. Specifically, individuals were exposed to mold, water-borne pathogens, and viruses and lacked safe drinking water or food.
9/11
After the 9/11 tragedy, dust containing harmful materials, such as asbestos and heavy metals, contaminated the entire surrounding area. Anyone who inhaled the smoke or touched the debris could be at risk from toxic exposure. Alarmingly, at least 2,000 deaths have been attributed to toxic exposure from the 9/11 disaster. Such fatalities include mesothelioma and other asbestos-related deaths.
What Happens if You’re Exposed to Toxic Debris?
Clearing hazardous waste is a complex, and challenging process. It takes weeks––if not months or even years––to get right. And in the meantime, there’s always the risk of toxic exposure. Seek urgent medical advice if you suspect you’ve been exposed to toxic waste or debris. You must get the support and treatment you may require to mitigate any long-term impact on your health. Next, contact Madeksho Law to discover if you have a personal injury claim. For example, if you’re exposed through someone else’s negligence or occupation, you may have the right to seek compensation.
At Madeksho Law, we’ve been successfully fighting for justice for our clients for over 40 years in our Houston and Los Angeles offices. We’ve secured over $400 million in compensation for injury victims and their families—and we’re waiting to help you today. So, if you’re concerned about toxic exposure, or you’ve lost a loved one to a disease such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, call now at 888-910-6376 or complete our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting with our attorneys.
