Kansas Agency Urges Caution for Tornado Cleanup

KDHE Urges Caution for Tornado Cleanup

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is urging residents in tornado affected areas to exercise caution when clearing and sorting debris caused by recent storms.

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials prior to 1980 and asbestos fibers from those materials can settle onto debris and be released into the air when residents and contractors begin clearing debris.

The state of Kansas requires licenses for all contractors involved in asbestos removal and abatement. Residents who elect to do work themselves can be at risk for unnecessary exposure which is why KDHE has issued the following guidelines for residents working with materials that may contain asbestos:

Shower thoroughly after handling debris to remove excess dust and fibers
Wear protective clothing at all times including gloves and masks (if possible)
Only handle material that needs to be removed
Asbestos containing materials can only be disposed of at approved locations. Consult with KDHE before disposal to find the closest site in your area.

They advise residents with homes built before 1980 to use caution when handling the following materials as they could contain asbestos:

Ceiling and floor tiles
Textured ceilings
Siding
Attic insulation
Pipe wrapping materials
Asbestos-cement materials including pipes, millboard and corrugated sheet items

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