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EPA to Conduct Air Monitoring for Asbestos and Particulate Matter Following Parkersburg Tornado

Release Date: 06/9/2008
Contact Information: Beckie Himes, (913) 551-7253, himes.beckie@epa.gov

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., June 9, 2008) - EPA Region 7 personnel will monitor air samples for asbestos and particulate matter in the continuing cleanup from a massive EF-5 tornado that killed seven people and injured at least 67 others in Parkersburg, Iowa, on May 25.

EPA on-scene coordinators will oversee the air monitoring, which will be conducted using fixed monitoring equipment situated at key points in the city of Parkersburg. The monitoring will begin Tuesday, June 10, 2008, and will continue for as long as necessary.

On Wednesday, June 11, EPA Region 7 will deploy its Mobile Command Post to Parkersburg. The vehicle is outfitted with equipment necessary to receive and transmit data obtained during the sampling.

Air monitoring during the cleanup will be conducted to assess air quality in order to protect the health of Parkersburg residents and any non-residents who may be assisting with the demolition and rebuilding efforts.