|
Toxic/Hazardous Materials
Toxic/Hazardous materials complaints typically involve concerns about fuel spills, or spills of chemicals which are listed by the Federal EPA as hazardous. If a release of toxic or hazardous materials has occurred, call 911 immediately. In the event of a spill, the Ohio EPA will be notified as they have an emergency response capability, and the Health District does not. A representative of the Health District will be present on site at some point during the investigation, but will not be directly involved in the cleanup.
Toxic/Hazardous materials complaints may also involve concerns about the misuse of pesticides. Overspray from the application of pesticides should be strictly controlled. It is a violation of Federal law to apply pesticides on a property other than one�s own without a license. If a pesticide is used to control a particular type of pest, make certain the pesticide is labeled for that use, and use the pesticide in a manner in accordance with the directions on the label. It is a violation of Federal law to use a pesticide in a manner which is not consistent with the directions on the label. The Health District will investigate complaints resulting from the misuse of pesticides.
The Health District does not investigate complaints concerning asbestos, or radon, as these are not regulated by the District. The Ohio EPA regulates asbestos, but does not require removal of asbestos from residential property. Radon gas in the home is not regulated.
Asbestos in the home is a health concern only if it is damaged, or has been disturbed. Damaged asbestos-containing materials may release asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing asbestos fibers over a over a long period of time can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking. Breathing asbestos fibers does not cause any short term health effects, such as sinus infections, or other such respiratory ailments.
If asbestos is found in the home, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials may create a health hazard where none existed before. Removal of asbestos-containing materials should be done by a professional abatement contractor.
If more information about asbestos is needed, contact the U.S. EPA, or the Ohio Department of Health or call the ODH at 1-614-644-8665.
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. It is tasteless, and odorless. Breathing air containing radon gas can cause lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking. Radon can be tested in the home with radon test kits available in hardware stores, or a state-certified contractor can be hired to test for radon. The average indoor radon level is about 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The action level is 4 pCi/L. Radon levels in the home can be reduced by sealing cracks in walls and floors, and by installing systems designed to remove radon gas.
There is a very low risk of exposure to radon in Clermont County. Structures that are occupied, and in which there is good air circulation have not been found to develop a buildup of radon gas.
If more information about radon is needed contact Ohio Radon Information System , the U.S. EPA Radon Site, the Radon Information Center (commercial), or call the ODH at 1-614-644-0174.
Elemental or metallic mercury is a hazardous material, and mercury spill site containment can fall under the county public health nuisance regulation if a public health nuisance has been created. A small residential spill from a broken fever thermometer or thermostat switch will not create a public health nuisance if the spill has been properly contained, and cleaned.
If a small residential mercury spill occurs, evacuate the spill area (particularly pregnant women and children), making sure that mercury is not tracked or carried from the room where the spill occurred. Turn off the HVAC system. Close windows or door leading to other rooms, and open exterior windows and doors. The person doing the cleanup should change into old clothes that can be discarded if contaminated, and should put on rubber gloves, and goggles.
Contain the mercury, and try to prevent it from running into cracks, crevices, and drains. Illuminate the spill area with a bright light, and scrape the beads of mercury towards the center of the area using a stiff card. Use adhesive tape to clean up any tiny remaining droplets. Place the mercury into an unbreakable plastic airtight container, place that container into a second plastic container, and then place the containers in a zip-lock plastic bag. Remove and dispose of contaminated carpeting, fabrics, and other porous materials. Double or triple bag contaminated materials in garbage bags, and dispose of properly. Sprinkle sulfur powder or zinc powder onto the spill area. Scrape up all the powder, and dispose of it with the other contaminated items.
Do not attempt to vacuum mercury as this will disperse mercury throughout the home. Do not attempt to launder or incinerate mercury-contaminated items. Do not use a broom to clean up a mercury spill as this will scatter the mercury. Do not pour mercury down the drain.
If the mercury has already been vacuumed, tracked to other parts of the house, or the spill has otherwise been extended beyond the initial spill location call the Ohio EPA�s Spill Hotline at 1-800-282-9378. Schools should always contact the Ohio EPA Spill Hotline, and a mercury clean-up contractor. Businesses with a mercury spill must contact a hazardous waste recycling company to dispose of mercury-contaminated items.
Mercury metal produces a large amount of mercury vapor when it is unconfined, or spilled. A mercury spill from a broken thermometer can contaminate an entire house if it isn�t cleaned up properly, and spilled metallic mercury will give off vapors for many years. Long-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapor, as well as other mercury compounds can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys, or a developing fetus.
In order to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to metallic mercury, mercury thermometers and mercury switches should be replaced with mercury-free products. Thermometers, and other products containing mercury should be disposed of properly. Contact the Bowling Green State University Elemental Mercury Collection and Reclamation Program at (419)372-2171 to find out how to dispose of mercury thermometers, and other products that contain mercury. If more information about mercury is needed, also contact the Ohio Department of Health at (614)466-1390, or the Ohio EPA Ohio Mercury Reduction Group at (614)644-3469.