Galveston, Texas was hit hard by Hurricane Ike — a Category 4 hurricane — as it stormed through the Gulf Coast in early September 2008. A month later, the asbestos debris all over the city of Galveston and the rest of Galveston Island is a toxic mess that will cost billions to clean up. Local officials are especially concerned about the residents who remained in their homes throughout the hurricane’s devastating run.

Hundreds of Asbestos Construction Materials

The total damages to Galveston Island alone are expected to be more than $10 billion, according to city officials. Hurricane Ike made landfall on September 13, causing hundreds of homes on the island to collapse and thus releasing tons of asbestos fibers from asbestos containing materials such as:

• Ceiling tiles
• Shingles
• Roofing
• Flooring
• Insulation
• Drywall

Historic Old Buildings in Galveston

Galveston has many tourist attractions, including older buildings that were built with thousands of asbestos materials. The string of historic buildings known as “The Strand” with museums, nightclubs and mansions is almost certain to have released toxic asbestos.

About 20,000 people have remained on the island since the hurricane, although officials asked them to leave due to health risks caused from asbestos, lead and other toxins. A bridge to Galveston Island — the Galveston Causeway — remains closed to everyone but emergency workers. The island’s drinking water and water table are at significant risk of being contaminated.

Galveston’s Population Is More Than 50,000

League City is the largest city (in population) in Galveston County; Galveston is the second-largest, with a total population of about 57, 500 people according to the 2005 Census. As the seat of Galveston County, Galveston housed the county courthouse and jail, which were damaged extensively by Hurricane Ike. These county facilities have thus been temporarily relocated to League City and Texas City

Special Landfills for Asbestos

A spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers noted that the asbestos components must be separated from the materials that can safely be recycled then placed in specially designated landfills.

(Source: Washington Post)

If you are concerned about asbestos exposure following a natural disaster in your area, contact mesothelioma treatment centers to schedule a private consultation with an experienced asbestos attorney who will help you understand your legal rights.