Tornado Cleanup Exposes Workers and Residents to Asbestos

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on June 05, 2007

More than 20,000 truckloads of debris from buildings built before the 1980s, when asbestos-laden construction materials were used, have been moved to the landfills.
Local asbestos abatement manager Leland Sumpter said asbestos exposure is highly likely.

Some residents and workers have developed a cough, accompanied by a sore throat, that has been dubbed the “Greensburg Cough.” Kansas health officials attribute the symptoms to contaminated dust kicked up by cleanup efforts.

Government officials have acknowledged the possible exposure to asbestos, but say they don’t have any proof to show imminent danger to human health. EPA air samples show that contamination levels are relatively low.

Greenburg residents and cleanup workers have been issued air masks, and they have been cautioned to wear protective clothing when handling debris. However, because the EPA has no jurisdiction over the cleanup of private homes, some residents may not be heeding warnings.

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