Following the discovery of asbestos in debris samples taken near the site of the Clemens House fire, the Environmental Protection Agency, in connection with the City of St. Louis, has set up an air monitoring network in the immediate area, according to the mayor’s office.
The air monitors will be in place for at least one week to determine whether airborne asbestos fibers are present in the air surrounding the site of the fire. Results from the air monitors are expected to be available by the end of the day on July 20.
The EPA will collect samples every day for at least a week, the city states, and the results of those tests will determine the next steps.
On July 18, Northside Regeneration LLC., the owner of the Clemens House, granted the EPA permission to conduct material testing at the site. The EPA believes Northside Regeneration is the responsible party for the spread of asbestos in the area.
The EPA is reaching out to Northside Regeneration about developing a work plan to clean the Clemens House site and the debris in the surrounding area.
Until more information is available, the EPA advises residents to avoid touching, picking up or moving any debris that may have come from the fire.
Residents are further advised not to track the dust and debris into homes, take shoes off before entering homes and wash hands frequently.
