The Lubrizol disaster association is launching independent analyzes on the pollution caused by the fire of September 26, 2019. First subject: asbestos. 8,000 square meters of fiber cement roof of a warehouse had exploded. Are asbestos fibers still circulating in the air?
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“It fell like a rain of asbestos dust”. André Picot, chemical expert, (founder of the CNRS Chemical Risk Prevention unit) gave this explanation in hearing before the senators.
What has become of these asbestos dust or fibers (From 400 to 500 times thinner than a hair), do we breathe them? Asbestos sampling pumps took their first measurements right next to the Lubrizol factory, in the silence of the Petit-Quevilly cemetery. They will be moved to the city.
One of the asbestos sampling pumps
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© H. Colosio / France Televisions
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LLubrizol disaster association requested the expertise ofa laboratory in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, specialist in asbestos measurements. The association has received the support of town halls.
“We will provide a scientific, independent response” (Simon de Carvalho, president of the Lubrizol disaster association “
duration of the video: 00 min 33
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Pumps to detect the presence of asbestos near Lubrizol
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Asbestos roof debris found in gardens
A few days after the fire, residents had found pieces of fiber cement, strongly resembling fragments of corrugated roofing, like that of the factory warehouse. Lubrizol.
Some have taken the initiative to bring in a judicial officer. They wanted analyzes to be initiated.
“The whole neighborhood was sprayed with debris from asbestos roofs”
On this subject, the editorial staff recommends
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“background noise from asbestos fibers in the air, extremely low levels”
The pollution by debris and asbestos dust is it likely to cause disease (lung damage, cancer of the pleura) in 20 or 30 years? This question was asked the authorities after the disaster.
The regional environment department had then replied:
“Regarding asbestos in the air, we are on the background noise of asbestos fibers in the air, extremely low levels” (Patrick Berg, director of the Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing (Dreal) of Normandy.)
“We can estimate that with this first series of surveys, there is no risk associated with asbestos. This risk has not been proven.” These air samples were taken by the company Lubrizol.
“What is dangerous for health is the asbestos fibers in the air”, recalled Mr. Berg. “The drums under the effect of the heat exploded and shattered (a) fiber cement roof and threw fragments of fiber cement at fairly consistent distances” more “this projection does not diffuse asbestos fibers in the air,” assured the senior official. “
