Asbestos Released From Shelton Fire Poses Little Risk: DPH

SHELTON, CT —The Naugatuck Valley Health District has released additional informationregarding the Star Pin factory fire and potential asbestos-related issues in the area.

Most asbestos-related diseases are caused by prolonged contact with the substance, such as those who regularly worked with the material for years, according to the state Department of Public Health.

"It is unlikely that anyone in the area of a fire will have more than a short term, low level exposure to asbestos from this fire," DPH said in a fact sheet about the fire.

Any resident that finds debris on their property should call the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at 860-72904677 or the Shelton Police Department at 203-924-1544. Debris shouldn't be touched and samples will be gathered.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and possibly the federal Environmental Protection Agency will investigate how much asbestos was carried from the site and how much cleanup will be required. Usually a private contractor is hired to tackle the cleanup. Still, they won't get every single piece of related debris.

Residents shouldn't disturb debris by raking or mowing near it before the clean-up. Any items left over after the cleanup can be misted with water and picked up with gloves, according to DPH. Debris should be placed in a plastic sealed bag and thrown in the regular trash.