Taking Environmental Inventory Before and After Natural Disasters

The frequency and intensity of natural disasters have increased dramatically over the past decade driven by the effects of climate change—from unprecedented flooding to devastating wildfires—and these environmental challenges have disrupted lives and have impacted buildings and infrastructure.

Storm damage can unlock a range of environmental issues—resulting in significant concerns about the long-term health impacts on communities in the most severely affected areas—due to the potential release of contaminants from impacted buildings and structures and the overall adverse impacts on air quality and the environment.

Precautions can reduce environmental hazards in advance if damage is sustained. Knowing the age of a building will provide a good idea of the materials used in production and can lead to a better understanding the risk of toxins if a building is damaged.

Asbestos

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was once widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is one of the most dangerous materials released from damaged structures during disasters. Its use has been heavily regulated since the 1980s, but many buildings still contain asbestos in roofing, flooring, and other materials.

Significant exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

When buildings sustain fire damage, asbestos-containing materials, when damaged, can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Significant amounts of asbestos can potentially be released into the air as thousands of structures burn during the rapid spread of wildfire, creating health risks for first responders, cleanup crews, and returning residents.

Floods can also damage asbestos-containing materials, causing them to deteriorate and release fibers into the air. And the demolition of fire- or flood-damaged buildings can further disturb asbestos, putting emergency responders, workers and residents at risk.

Lead-based paints

Lead is another hazardous material that poses risks. Commonly found in older buildings, lead was sometimes used in paint manufactured before 1978. When buildings are damaged or destroyed, lead dust can be released into the environment, posing serious health risks—especially to children.

Intense heat from wildfires can vaporize lead-based paint and other materials containing lead, dispersing lead particles into the air and soil. Additionally, floodwater can damage lead-containing materials. Damaged lead-based paint or lead-containing materials can release lead dust, which in turn poses a health risk and contaminates the environment.

Exposure to lead can result in neurological damage, developmental delays in children and a range of other health problems. The release of lead during disasters exacerbates these risks, particularly in communities with older housing stock.

Volatile Organic Compounds and Chemical Contaminants

Modern buildings contain a variety of synthetic materials, such as plastics, adhesives, and treated wood, which can release hazardous chemicals when damaged or burned.

Burning plastics, electronics, and other synthetic materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzene, dioxins and other toxic chemicals into the air—potentially leading to acute and chronic health effects, including cancer and respiratory problems.

Floodwater can carry chemicals from industrial sites, agricultural areas, and households into surrounding areas, contaminating surfaces and leaving hazardous residues.

The release of these chemicals during disasters complicates cleanup efforts and poses long-term risks to both air and water quality.

Particulate Matter and Air Quality Degradation

The damage to structures and buildings caused during wildfires and floods contributes to the release of particulate matter into the air, including the release of fine particulate matter. These particles may penetrate the deeper regions of the lungs and cause significant respiratory issues.

Smoke from wildfires impacts both vegetation and buildings and contains fine particulate matter that can travel long distances, affecting air quality across regions. This particulate matter can carry toxic substances, amplifying health risks.

Dust generated during the cleanup and demolition of flood-damaged buildings can contain hazardous materials, contributing to poor air quality.

Poor air quality during and after disasters has been linked to increased hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Mold: A Consequence of Water Damage

Mold growth is a major issue following floods and water damage. Mold thrives in damp environments and can colonize in building materials such as drywall, insulation, and wood.

Exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions and even infections in individuals with weakened immune systems. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic health problems.

Disturbing moldy materials during cleanup can release spores into the air, contaminating other areas and increasing exposure risks. Significant flood events may lead to widespread mold growth in homes or commercial buildings, creating significant challenges for residents or building occupants.

Storage

It’s important to know what a company is storing. Consider all contents, including what’s in storage areas within the building, warehouses, underground tanks and other buildings on site.

Also take note of the potential hazards around a facility. Is it next to a chemical plant? Is it located near a lot with electric vehicles? Even if a property isn’t damaged during an event, there may still be environmental hazards.

Identifying possible environmental issues with a property, or adjacent properties, can help mitigate risk.

Addressing the Contaminant Risk

As natural disasters linked to climate change increase in frequency, the release of hazardous materials from buildings during natural disasters will increasingly become a major issue for populations. The importance of being mindful that asbestos, lead, mold, fine particulate matter and other chemical contaminants pose significant risks to human health and the environment, complicating recovery efforts and creating long-term challenges, cannot be overstated.

Addressing these issues requires a greater understanding and awareness of the hazards posed by these contaminants, so planning and action can take place to increase resiliency in the face of climate-related threats and protect the health and well-being of the public.

Telemaque is the managing director of environmental health and safety at Gallagher Bassett.