Mountains of Waste Left by Kentucky Tornadoes May Pose Hazards 'Damaging to Human Health

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2021) - The mountain of waste and debris left behind by the swarm of tornadoes that ripped through Kentucky over the past weekend could pose hazards "that could be damaging to human health" for residents and those involved in the cleanup process.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear previously described the debris left behind by the tornadoes as a "mountain of waste," and drone videos showed dozens of flattened homes and buildings following the storm. Several tornadoes ripped through Kentucky over the past weekend, leaving over 70 dead and dozens of others unaccounted for.

Dr. Erin Hayes, deputy director of the University of Kentucky Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences (CARES) made similar comments while speaking with Newsweek and explained that the debris left behind contains a "mix of chemicals and particulates that could be damaging to human health."

Click here to view the full article on Newsweek.com.

Photo credit: Waste and debris left behind by Kentucky tornadoes could pose further health risks for residents and those involved in the cleanup process. Above, a general view of tornado damaged structures on December 11, 2021 in Mayfield, Kentucky. Brett Carlsen/Getty