Nashville Residents Urged to Use Caution with Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos During Flood Cleanup

The recent floods across Tennessee, and specifically in the Nashville area, have left many homeowners with no choice but to gut their homes and rebuild. With the destruction of some of the homes comes the risk of stirring up asbestos. While asbestos is no longer used in construction of homes, it can be found in materials used in the older homes in the Nashville area.

Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can lead to various lung diseases including mesothelioma. Often called “asbestos cancer,” mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many standard cancer treatments. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure, with the latency period sometimes being as long as 50 years.

During an interview with NewsChannel5.com Rob Rainey, Director of Pollution Control with the Tennessee State Health Department, encourages individuals involved with the cleanup effort to keep construction debris wet. Asbestos is only a threat for health hazards such as mesothelioma when the fibers become airborne – keeping it wet will minimize that risk.

In addition, homeowners should consider contacting a certified asbestos abatement construction company to help with the process. Wearing protective gear including an EPA certified respirator, rubber gloves and boots, and disposable overalls should also be considered when working in the debris.