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August 15, 2000 For more information, contact Maria Taylor, Information and Education, 302-739-4506 DNREC Responds to Asbestos Contamination in Elmhurst NeighborhoodA DNREC environmental protection team responded today to an environmental accident involving airborne asbestos which dusted three homes and yards on Norway Street in the Elmhurst / Richardson Park area of New Castle County. The problem was accidentally caused by a power-washing project at 46 Norway Street that broke open the asbestos shingles on the exterior of the home. After confirming the presence of asbestos and wetting it down to prevent the asbestos particles from becoming airborne, the DNREC team “sealed” the areas of concern with plastic protectors and cordoned them off. DNREC then brought in a state licensed asbestos abatement contractor, Astec of Middletown, to begin removing all loose asbestos chunks, fibers and dust. Another contractor was hired to complete indoor air monitoring at the three homes today to determine whether there is a serious enough health risk for the residents to warrant an evacuation. Officials believe that the releases of asbestos particles may have been minimized by wet weather conditions. Asbestos is primarily a health hazard when dry fibers become airborne and are inhaled. According to DNREC officials, the clean up is expected to take more than two days to complete. DNREC hired the environmental contractors in order to quickly and professionally eliminate any possible public health hazard. DNREC will later seek cost recovery from the responsible parties. Airborne asbestos is classified as a hazardous substance and is a known carcinogen. Because it is durable, waterproof and fireproof, asbestos had been commonly used in building construction until the late 1980’s when it was eliminated from most consumer products. -30- Document no. 40-01/00/08/18 |
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