While Japan deals with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, there is a health risk that has been overshadowed by contamination from a leaking nuclear plant: the odorless and nearly invisible threat of asbestos.
Chron.com reports that activists have found the cancer-causing, fibrous material in the air and debris collected (smashed and scattered chunks of slate and wallboard) from the devastated northeastern coast.
Levels in the air remain within Japan’s safety range but are expected to rise significantly once cranes and cleanup crews begin their work in earnest, scraping and shaking loose the minuscule, white fibers from insulation and fireproofing layers.
Local officials are overwhelmed by the aftermath of Japan’s March 11 earthquake and tsunami, including the swamped nuclear reactor that has leaked radiation as engineers struggle to restore its cooling systems.
The officials in hard-hit areas such as Miyagi prefecture acknowledge they have yet to focus on asbestos and the potential contamination of other such airborne particles.
Meanwhile, workers, volunteers and residents roam freely through the debris. Some wear masks; others don’t, despite the plumes of dust that shoot up every time a giant steel claw grabs a load of debris. On windy days, particles swirl in the air. They sting eyes and irritate throats before leaving behind a thin layer of dust on whatever passes through.
Source: chron.com
