Leading Environmental Experts Warn of Asbestos and Microbial Hazards following Hurricane Sandy

Two weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy left a path of destruction across many parts of the East Coast.  In addition to numerous deaths caused by the historic storm, countless homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
 
Some estimates have put the cost of the property damage caused by Hurricane Sandy at close to $20 billion.  Many of the damaged properties are beginning the process of being cleaned out in preparation for rebuilding.  These water and wind damaged structures can many times pose health and safety concerns for workers and the building occupants.
 
Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark, one of the nation’s premier providers of environmental, industrial hygiene, and health and safety services, reminded residents of the following:  “There are environmental hazards people need to be aware of as they rebuild their homes, schools and businesses.  Many of these water damaged structures had more than just water enter them.  Flood waters can contain a host of microbial and chemical contaminants.  Even clean rain water, known as Category 1 water damage, that enters a building can begin to allow mold growth in as short as 24 to 48 hours.  Flood waters could be either Gray Water or Black Water, known as Category 2 and 3, depending on what they have been in contact with.  A host of viruses, parasites, bacteria, fungi, pesticides, fuels, and other contaminants could impact properties.  Only proper cleanup and restoration, followed up by a thorough post restoration verification assessment can insure an impacted property is habitable.”
 
Another health and safety concern for residents relates to asbestos and lead-based paints.  Many properties in the affected areas were built before the use of lead-based paints and building materials that contained asbestos were banned.  Cleanup activities and demolition can easily aerosolize these materials creating a health hazard to anyone nearby.  Also, there are federal, state and city laws and regulations that one must abide by when handling asbestos and lead materials.
 
Clark Seif Clark currently has environmental teams on the ground helping Hurricane Sandy victims.  To learn more about health and safety issues during the rebuilding process or about Clark Seif Clark, please visit http://www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark (CSC)
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues.  CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail