AIHA Protecting Worker Health

Hazardous materials and conditions may be present as a result of damaged building materials containing lead or asbestos, sewage-contaminated items, or hazardous materials such as chemicals or cleaning products present in floodwater. Heat stress and cold stress may be present when working long hours. Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning from combustion sources may also be a concern.

Here are some useful resources to recognize and address these kinds of hazards:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  Disaster Recovery
  Addresses mold, lead, asbestos, drinking water, and natural gas concerns 

• • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Asbestos Cleanup after Disasters (English)
    
    
  • Homeowner's and Renters guide to Asbestos Cleanup after Disasters (Spanish)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Reducing Lead Hazards after Disasters (English)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Reducing Lead Hazards after Disasters (Spanish)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters (English)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters (Spanish)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Reducing Radon after Disasters (English)
    
    
  • Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Reducing Radon after Disasters (Spanish)
    
    
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  
  

• Fact Sheet: Clean Up Safely After a Disaster
  Addresses carbon monoxide, sewage, heat-related illnesses, chemicals, water, and hygiene and infectious disease issues

• Protect Yourself From Chemicals Released During a Natural Disaster
  Addresses chemicals in general, household chemicals, and oil spills
  
  
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  
  
• Natural Disaster: Flooding
  Addresses carbon monoxide, mold, lead, asbestos, and underground storage tanks 
  
  
• Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems Fact Sheet 
  Addresses microbial growth, carbon monoxide, lead, and asbestos 
   
  
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Services
  Safety Awareness for Responders to Hurricanes: Protecting Yourself  While Helping Others
  Addresses heat and cold stress, noise, dust, chemicals, carbon monoxide, and many other concerns