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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6
1445 Ross Ave., Dallas, TX 75202-2733
www.epa.gov/reqion6
(214) 665-2200
LOUISIANA
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
PO Box 4301, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4301
www.deg.state.la.us/
(225) 219-3969
October 9, 2005 Update
EPA and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
Warn of Potential Environmental Health Hazards
When Returning to Homes and Businesses
Cleanup activities related to returning to homes and businesses after Hurricane Katrina can pose significant
health and environmental challenges. People may be exposed to potentially life-threatening hazards such as
leaking natural gas lines. Residents are warned that using un-vented fuel burning equipment indoors could
result in carbon monoxide poisoning. During a flood cleanup, failure to remove contaminated materials and to
reduce moisture and humidity may present serious long-term health risks from microorganisms, such as
bacteria and mold.
When citizens are authorized by local authorities to return to their homes and businesses, federal and state
authorities urge them to take the following precautions:
Be Aware of Possible Combustible or Explosive Gases - Many natural gas and other fuel lines were broken
during Hurricane Katrina, and highly explosive gas vapors may still be present in many buildings. In
addition, methane and other explosive gases may accumulate from decaying materials.
Open all windows when entering a building. If you smell gas or hear the sound of escaping gas:
• Don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, use either cell or conventional telephones, or
create any other source of ignition.
• Leave the building immediately; leave the door and windows open
• Notify emergency authorities. Don't return to the building until authorities tell you that it is safe to do
so.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced
when any fuel is burned, and it can kill you at high levels.
• Do not use fuel-burning devices such as gasoline-powered generators, gasoline-powered pressure
washers, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal grills in confined spaces or within 10 ft. of windows,
doors or other intakes. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the
home. Have vents and chimneys checked to assure that debris does not block or impede the exhaust
from water heaters and gas furnaces.
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• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Death or
full incapacitation can result from CO poisoning.
Avoid Problems from Mold, Bacteria and Insects - Standing water is a breeding ground for a wide range of
microorganisms and insects, such as mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile Virus.
Microorganisms, including bacteria and mold, can become airborne and be inhaled. Where floodwater is
highly contaminated, as it is in many areas of the Gulf Coast, infectious disease is of concern.
• Remove standing water as quickly as possible.
• Remove wet materials and discard those that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried, ideally within 48
hours. While smooth, hard surface materials such as metal and plastics can often be cleaned
effectively, virtually all building contents made of paper, cloth, wood and other absorbent materials
that have been wet for longer than 48 hours may need to be discarded as they will likely remain a
source of mold growth.
• Dry out the building. The heavily contaminated floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Katrina contain
microorganisms and other contaminants that can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later
be released into air or water. Completely drying out a building that has been immersed in
contaminated flood waters will take time and may require the extensive removal of ceiling, wall,
insulation, flooring and other materials as well as, in some cases, extensive disinfection.
The growth of microorganisms will continue as long as materials remain wet and humidity is high. If a house
or building is not dried out properly, a musty odor, signifying growth of microorganisms, can remain long
after the flood. When fumes are not a concern and if electricity is available and safe, closing windows and
running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner can be an effective way to remove moisture if the damage is
moderate.
• Reduce your exposure to air and water contaminants. Every effort should be made to limit contact
with floodwater. This includes the breathing of water vapors or mists formed from the contaminated
water; this may occur when water is pumped or sprayed. If removing materials or furnishings already
contaminated with mold or when cleaning significant areas of mold contamination or generally
disinfecting areas soiled by flood waters, federal authorities recommend limiting your exposure to
airborne mold spores by wearing gloves, goggles, and wearing an N-95 respirator, if available, or a
dust mask.
Avoid Problems from the Use of Cleaners, Disinfectants, and Pesticides - Disinfectants, sanitizers, and
other pesticides can contain toxic and potentially hazardous substances.
• Mixing certain types of household cleaners and disinfectants can produce toxic fumes and result in
injury and even death. Do not mix them or use them in combination.
• Read and follow all label instructions carefully.
• Provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. Remain in a room no longer than necessary. Allow
adequate time for the area to air out.
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• If there is no standing water in the building and it is safe to use electricity, use fans both during and
after the use of disinfecting, cleaning, and sanitizing products. Be sure that before using any electrical
appliances, that they are properly grounded, and where possible, connected to a ground break equipped
electrical source.
• Keep all household products locked, out of sight and out of reach of children. Use child-resistant
packaging properly by closing the container securely after each use. Keep items in original containers.
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning.
EPA Urges Avoiding Problems from Airborne Asbestos and Lead Dust - Elevated concentrations of
airborne asbestos can occur if asbestos-containing materials present in many older homes are disturbed. Pipe
or other insulation, ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roof shingles and sprayed-on soundproofing are just some of
the materials found in older buildings that may contain asbestos. Buildings constructed before
1970 are more likely to contain asbestos. Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a
cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse
health effects, particularly in young children. Many homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.
Disturbance or removal of materials containing lead-based paint may result in elevated concentrations of lead
dust in the air.
• If you know or suspect that your home contains asbestos or lead-based paint and any of these materials
have been damaged or will otherwise be disturbed during cleanup, seek the assistance of public health
authorities and try to obtain help from specially trained contractors, if available.
• If possible, removed materials should be handled while still wet or damp, double bagged and properly
labeled as to contents.
• In handling materials that are believed to be contaminated with asbestos or lead, EPA recommends
that, at a minimum, you wear gloves, goggles, and most importantly, OSHA-approved respiratory
protection, if available.
• While still wearing a mask, wash hands and clothing after handling such materials.
• If at all possible, avoid activities that will generate dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming debris that
may contain asbestos or lead.
• Take precautions before your contractor or you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb surfaces
that may contain lead-based paint (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls).
• Have the area tested for lead-based paint.
• Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based
paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and potentially harmful fumes.
• Temporarily move your family (especially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or
house until the work is done and the area is properly cleaned. If you can't move your family, at least
completely seal off the work area.
Properly Dispose of Waste - Caution must be exercised to assure that all waste materials are removed and
disposed of properly. Open burning of materials by individuals should be avoided. Improperly controlled
burning of materials not only represents significant fire hazards but can also produce additional hazards from
the vapors, smoke, and residue that are produced from the burning.
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Helpful Telephone Numbers:
National Response Spill Center: 800-424-8802
LDEQ Emergency Hazard and Incident: 888-763-5424 or Hotline at 225-342-1234
American Red Cross: 866-438-4636
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 800-621-3362
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 800-232-4636
For those who have access to the Internet, here are links to additional information:
EPA recommends that those dealing with extensive flood damage obtain and follow the detailed guidance in
the American Red Cross/FEMA publications Repairing Your Flooded Home:
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_570_,00.html
For more information on management of asbestos, visit: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ashome.html
For more information on management of lead-based paint, visit: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/
Federal Emergency Management Agency's Flood website: http://www.fema.gov/hazards/floods/
CDC Hurricanes Health and Safety: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health — Storm and Flood Cleanup
http ://www. cdc. gov/niosh/topics/flood/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)
Emergency Preparedness and Response web page, "Protect Yourself from Mold" -
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp
For more detailed information and guidance on mold prevention and cleanup, visit: http://www.epa.gov/mold
or call IAQINFO at 800-438-4318.
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality: http://www.deq.state.la.us
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov and http://www.epa.gov/region6
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