A steampipe explosion in Baltimore, Md. that occurred in late June was responsible for injuring five people as it sent airborne debris just minutes before the Baltimore Orioles game began.

Following the explosion, environmental testing was carried out and showed that low levels of asbestos were present in the area, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The Maryland Department of the Environment stated that the testing revealed that asbestos was present on the Holiday Inn building located in downtown Baltimore. As a result, the department recommended that workers “erect a scaffolding and shroud to remediate that,” spokesman Jay Apperson stated, according to the news outlet.

The spokesperson also stated, “Perimeter air monitoring continues, and we been told it shows no evidence of asbestos.” Contractors that are licensed by the department have been working on the asbestos remediation. Following the asbestos remediation, the wrapping was removed and air sampling of the crater formed by the explosion revealed that no asbestos was currently found.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was historically used a great deal in order to provide insulation for various products, as well as fireproofing. Asbestos was commonly used in pipes, and the steampipe that exploded likely contained asbestos. It is currently a known carcinogen.

Left alone, asbestos is basically inert. It is only when the asbestos fibers become disturbed that they may become airborne. Once in the air, asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested.

Asbestos in the lungs or in the lining of the lungs can cause severe forms of cancer to form. Lung cancer and mesothelioma, cancer of the lining of the lungs, or other organs may result. Typically, these cancers caused by mesothelioma have a poor prognosis.

It is not known if the first responders or others who may have been exposed to asbestos as a result of the Baltimore steam pipe explosion may suffer any health consequences, as cancer from asbestos exposure typically takes several decades to develop.

The use of asbestos has been severely restricted in recent decades, but its use is not banned completely. Asbestos exposure is still possible when old buildings are damaged or remodeled, causing the need for asbestos remediation.

How is Asbestos Remediation Carried Out?

Asbestos remediation must be carried out by specifically-trained contractors who can ensure that the asbestos is properly contained while the remediation takes place. Otherwise, a risk of additional asbestos exposure may occur, putting the health of many in danger.

Remediation differs from abatement; with remediation, the underlying problem is targeted so asbestos exposure does not occur again. Asbestos abatement refers to removing the problematic asbestos from a building or other product by sealing it off or encapsulating it so it can no longer expose others to the dangerous fibers. Asbestos remediation often includes abatement.

It is very important that any asbestos remediation that takes place is carefully carried out by contractors who understand all of the safety procedures and regulations related to asbestos remediation. Unfortunately, in some situations, such as with janitors or custodians working at old school buildings, some employers have asked their improperly trained employees to conduct asbestos remediation.

Not only is this unsafe for the inexperienced person to carry out the asbestos remediation, it can potentially put any others who inhabit the building at great risk of asbestos exposure.