Earthquakes and Indoor Environmental Hazards Exposed in New Public Outreach Video

July 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Many earthquakes strike without warning and they can occur almost anywhere in the country.  Once an earthquake has struck, people need to be aware of aftershocks and numerous hazards before they reenter their homes and places of business.  

“Later when it is deemed safe to return to properties many people may discover a wide range of indoor environmental hazards,” reported Paul Cochrane, President of Cochrane and Associates, the company behind the IAQ Video Network and a new online video entitled, Earthquakes: Avoiding Indoor Environmental Hazards Once the Dust Settles.  “We hope this video gives people some ideas of possible indoor environmental hazards,” he continued.  

Things people should be aware of include the following:

•   Inspect utilities
Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a safe area away from the property.

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker if it is safe to do so.

Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets. Sewage may contain a host of microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and mold as well as chemical contaminants.  It also releases odors that could cause safety issues.  If water pipes are damaged they may cause water damage, structural damage and mold growth.

•   An earthquake may also release large amounts of dust from both the indoors and outdoors.  Due to property damage caused by the quake this dust could contain asbestos and lead.  Both asbestos and lead are found in many older properties and these need to be evaluated before any reconstruction activities take place.
•   Cracks caused in foundations and basements may also allow for chemicals in the soil and groundwater to begin infiltrating into properties, this is known as vapor intrusion.
•   Fire is also a common occurrence due to earthquakes.   Apart from direct damage caused by fires, the soot, char and ash from smoke can also cause indoor environmental concerns.

To view this video please visit http://www.IAQTV.com or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMQjtgmn21M



To learn more please visit http://www.cochraneassoc.com, email info@cochraneassoc.com or call (602)510-3179.

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About Cochrane & Associates, LLC & the IAQ Video Network
Cochrane & Associates is a business development, public relations and marketing consulting firm that specializes in the environmental, HVAC, mold and indoor air quality industries. The company has worked with many of the industries’ leading institutions and companies and continues to be an innovator in the industry. They are also the innovators behind the IAQ Video Network.