Louisiana (LA) Asbestos Removal & Abatement Resources:

In the state of Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) is responsible for the administration of state and Federal regulations regarding the handling of asbestos containing materials.

Asbestos Abatement Procedures

The state of Louisiana requires that any contractor performing asbestos abatement must be licensed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. The licensing for asbestos is contained within the commercial license with a specialty in asbestos (1).

In order to be licensed in Louisiana, supervisors and contractors must be accredited with the LDEQ through either a traditional or, when available, an expedited program. All personnel working as asbestos workers, supervisors, contractors, inspectors, planners, and project designers must receive accreditation. Initial training and refresher training must be performed by an EPA recognized and approved state program (1).

Hurricane Katrina and Louisiana Asbestos Abatement

 In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there has been a great deal of anxiety regarding asbestos contamination due to storm damage. Debris from buildings damaged by the storm could contain asbestos and potential human health concerns. Asbestos has the ability to contaminate water as well as air, and ingested fibers can cause additional health issues beyond the traditional concerns over inhaled fibers. The Department of Environmental Contamination and Pollution was the first to respond to the environmental health concerns related to Hurricane Katrina. All individuals who were in the area, either waiting to be rescued or as members of the clean up team, were exposed to materials such as asbestos and arsenic particles as they were released by destroyed structures.

Asbestos particles are extremely dangerous when they become disturbed. New Orleans included several homes and buildings that contained a great deal of asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in building construction before health concerns in regard to the material were realized, due to its durability, strength and fire resistant qualities. It was not until the 1970s that a correlation between exposure to asbestos and asbestos related illnesses was recognized. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested, and can cause scarring to internal organ walls. These scars subsequently result in cancerous tumors and death. The incubation period for asbestos related illnesses is extremely long, so it will be many years before a conclusive figure on asbestos exposure due to Hurricane Katrina can be reached.

Ideally, only trained asbestos workers will be used in the effort to clean up and remove asbestos containing materials after Hurricane Katrina. This will ensure that the asbestos materials will be safely removed and taken to an approved landfill. The danger of releasing asbestos into the environment is a potentially lethal one. Only trained professional asbestos contractors are authorized by the state of Kansas to handle the isolation and disposal of this substance.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses are difficult to diagnose due to a long latency period. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos may not begin to show symptoms of illness until much later in life, and unless there is awareness of exposure to asbestos, the illness may not be properly diagnosed. Most structures that were built before 1970 contain some quantity of asbestos. Any intentional demolition of such a building must be handled properly to protect the public from contamination. In the case of hurricane-damaged buildings erected before 1970, it is necessary that the area be cleaned properly as well.

EPA Monitoring of Clean Up Procedures

 The EPA has issued a warning for residents in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina regarding asbestos and lead contamination. Older homes are likely to contain asbestos in the form of pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, shingles, and sprayed-on soundproofing. Other asbestos containing materials may also be present.

For homes that are suspected of containing asbestos and have been disturbed, either through storm damage, flooding, or clean up efforts, individuals living in New Orleans are encouraged to seek the assistance of public health authorities and a professional asbestos contractor. For individuals unable to obtain assistance, who must perform asbestos abatement themselves, the following procedures are recommended:

  • Wet down any materials that are suspected to contain asbestos. Damp materials are less likely to release fibers into the air. Double bag all removed materials and label the bags as containing asbestos.
  • When handling materials, wear gloves, goggles, and an OSHA approved respiratory protection.
  • After handling the materials but before removing the mask, wash hands and clothing thoroughly. There have been instances of individuals becoming contaminated with asbestos simply by coming into contact with contaminated clothing.
  • Avoid any activity that will cause the materials to generate dust. In lieu of sweeping or vacuuming, wet the area down completely and mop or wipe up the dust, or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and dispose of the vacuum after the clean up is finished.
  • Remove all family members from the home until the clean up is completed. If this is not an option, seal off the work area completely with plastic sheeting before beginning the project.
  • Do not burn materials after removal. Take asbestos contaminated materials to a landfill that accepts such products, if at all possible (3).

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