TOXIC ASH CLEANUP AFTER A FIRE - THE DANGERS OF ASBESTOS AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER

Natural disasters and the destruction of buildings can represent a significant environmental issue and exposure hazard attributable to the destruction and breakdown of asbestos containing building materials (ACM).

ENVIRO-VAC™ provides solutions for hazardous materials abatement and decontamination of various types of toxic materials that can be encountered during the aftermath of a natural disaster such as a major fire or flood.  We have the ability to mobilize resources along with certified and skilled decontamination / cleanup personnel and equipment from various locations when required.

INDUSTRIAL SIZED AND SPECIALIZED DECONTAMINATION EQUIPMENT

Enviro-Vac decontamination equipment includes large industrial vacuum loaders and automated baggers, portable decontamination trailers as well as skid mounted units, abrasive blasters, negative air pressure systems and much more.

We provide special waste management of toxic ash from packaging through to transportation and disposal and can provide erection/installation of engineered shrink-wrap containment enclosures when required for high-risk decontamination and protection from the elements.

FIRES AND ASBESTOS CONTAMINATION, ASBESTOS CLEANUP

Asbestos is one of the most heat-resistant substances known to man, yet it can be highly toxic when it is fragmented by fire. A large number of buildings constructed prior to 1990 were built with asbestos containing materials, in fact asbestos can be found in over 3,000 building materials. During a natural disaster where buildings and other structures are destroyed or badly damaged, construction materials containing asbestos can be released and become extremely hazardous, as they spall or break apart into very tiny and dangerous fibers.  In fact, individual fibers can be hundreds of times smaller than a human hair and once released into the air, they may stay suspended there for hours or even days.

TOXIC ASH AND DUST

Fires can leave a residue of toxic ashes containing not only asbestos but lead, PCB, arsenic and other heavy metals including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, furons and dioxins as well as half-burned materials and unburned materials that are otherwise destroyed or ruined. This debris is often removed from a fire site by demolition contractors and others who are not properly trained to handle and transport hazardous waste. Asbestos and other toxic waste and ash that is not properly managed for treatment or disposal can expose not only the demolition company's workers but workers at the disposal facility to this hazard. A fire site should be examined by professionals specifically for the existence of asbestos before cleanup workers or demolition crews can be assured that none of the dangerous mineral is present.