Toxic/Hazardous Materials

The Health District does not investigate releases of toxic or hazardous materials.  If a release of toxic or hazardous materials has occurred, call 911 immediately, or call the Ohio EPA’s Spill Hotline at 1-800-282-9378. Ohio EPA’s Emergency Response Program is available to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Spills or releases involving a petroleum product (diesel fuel, gasoline, hydraulic fluid, etc.) should be reported to the Ohio EPA if the spill is 25 gallons or more, causes a film or sheen on a waterway, or threatens a waterway.  Petroleum spills of less than 25 gallons are investigated by the Health District.

Incidents regarding the misuse of pesticides should be reported to the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 1-800-282-1955, extension 31, or visit their website at www.agri.ohio.gov.

The Health District does not regulate asbestos, radon, or mercury.

Asbestos

Asbestos may be present in older homes in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and pipe insulation.  Asbestos-containing materials in the home are a health concern if they have been damaged or disturbed as asbestos fibers may be released into the air.  Breathing asbestos fibers over a period of years can cause lung cancer, especially when combined with smoking.  Breathing asbestos fibers does not cause short term health effects such as respiratory infections. 

The Ohio EPA regulates asbestos, but does not require removal of asbestos from residential property.  If asbestos is found in the home it is best to leave it alone.  Disturbing asbestos-containing materials may create a health hazard where none existed before.  Removal of asbestos-containing materials should be performed by a professional abatement contractor. 

Prior to asbestos removal at a residence a negative-air containment area should be set up in the room or rooms where the asbestos-containing material is located, although it isn’t required.  Wet removal is preferred as this reduces the number of airborne fibers.  Persons removing asbestos-containing materials should wear a full-face respirator with an appropriate cartridge, disposable gloves, and a disposable coverall with a hood.  Asbestos-containing materials should be double bagged after removal, and disposed of properly.  After removal the cleanup area should be thoroughly decontaminated, and sealants applied where necessary.

If more information about asbestos is needed, visit the U.S. EPA or the Ohio Department of Health.

Radon

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, radioactive gas which emanates from the ground, and may enter a home through cracks in the floor or foundation.  Radon gas can collect and concentrate in the home. Breathing 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 low risk of exposure to radon in Clermont County.  Structures which are occupied, and in which there is good air circulation should not develop a buildup of radon gas.

For more information regarding radon visit the Ohio Radon Information System Web Site  the USEPA Radon Site or the Radon Information Center.

Mercury

Metallic mercury is a hazardous material, and it 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’s tracked around, and isn’t cleaned up properly.  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.

A mercury spill can fall under the jurisdiction of the Health District if a public health nuisance has been created.  A small residential spill from a broken thermometer or thermostat switch will not create a public health nuisance if the spill has been properly contained, and cleaned up.

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 in which a mercury spill has occurred must contact a hazardous waste recycling company to dispose of mercury-contaminated items.

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 items containing metallic mercury should be disposed of properly, and may be turned in at the Health District office.  If more information about mercury is needed contact the Ohio Department of Health at (614)466-1390, or the Ohio EPA Ohio Mercury Reduction Group at (614)644-3469.