Soil hit with Hurricane Sandy floodwater may contain asbestos

Residents of Little Ferry, New Jersey are worried about the remains of toxic materials in the soil after Hurricane Sandy flooding occurred in October. The flooding transported sewage, petroleum and asbestos into Little Ferry, and residents want to be assured that none of the toxins were left behind in the soil.

The nonprofit environmental group Climate Central reported that 5 billion gallons of raw sewage were spread in New Jersey during Sandy. Independent environmental testing companies have also conducted tests at properties in Little Ferry and found levels of some hazardous materials to be nearly triple acceptable regulatory levels. Health officials have advised residents growing vegetables and other gardens to use raised containers and store-bought soil to be safe.

Asbestos is a carcinogenic building substance used primarily from the 1940s through the 1970s. Asbestos exposure has been linked to severe diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer.