Air Sampling, Monitoring Shows No Health Risk in Parkersburg

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air sampling for asbestos and air monitoring for particulates in Parkersburg, Iowa, has shown no health risk. The Agency has been providing ongoing sampling and monitoring since June 10. A tornado struck the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, on May 25, 2008, destroying approximately 240 homes and damaging 400 more.

The monitoring and sampling activities will continue while storm debris is being transported.

Sixty-six samples have been collected for analysis for asbestos through June 27. Laboratory analysis for samples collected through June 26, 2008, has shown no asbestos fibers in the air samples. The particulate monitoring has not shown levels of particulates approaching a level of health concerns.

The asbestos sampling equipment is set up at four fixed locations within Parkersburg, and a fifth sampler is positioned dependent upon the area of town that the debris contractor (DRC) is operating and upon weather conditions. A particulate monitor is also set up at each of these locations and monitors the air for particulates throughout the day.