Asbestos Exposure a Threat Since Katrina

A recent report issued by congress claims that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has possibly exposed residents and workers in New Orleans to asbestos in the Post-Katrina cleanup.

According to the Government Accountability Office, although the EPA has reported no real threat of asbestos exposure, there may be potential inaccuracies in their findings.

Asbestos in Air Post-Katrina

After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005, environmentalist and health experts have reported that the government has not been completely truthful with the public about the health risks involved with gutting homes and the threats from floodwaters dumping gasoline and metals on schoolyards and parks.

Since Katrina, thousands of people have flocked to Louisiana to help rebuild the cities and towns affected by the storm.

“Good people of good will are putting their health at risk and nobody’s telling them the truth,” claims Hugh Kaufman, the senior policy analyst at EPA.

In the aftermath of Katrina, as the neighborhoods continue to be re-built, many families are moving back into homes where demolition and construction are happening all around them, making for potentially hazardous air conditions.

Safety Steps Being Taken

“The EPA continues to make improvements in its work, based on the agency’s experience with the Hurricane Katrina response,” claims EPA press secretary Jessica L. Emond.

According to the EPA, buildings are now soaked in water before being torn down in an attempt to reduce asbestos fibers from being released into the air. 

(Source: Forbes)

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