The Environmental Protection Agency says air tests in Joplin don't indicate health concerns from asbestos.
The EPA's regional office says it will continue to monitor air in Joplin as the town recovers from the May 22 tornado that ripped apart about a third of the southwest Missouri community.
The agency said its plan includes sampling the air at various locations in and around the tornado's impact zone. The emphasis is on monitoring for asbestos and particulate matter.
Tests show no health concerns from asbestos so far. Exposure to asbestos can cause serious lung problems and cancer.
Tests also showed no health concerns from particulate matter in the air, which includes a mixture of solids and liquids from various sources and can also cause health problems.
- Check out this site for more information about the EPA's response activities associated with the Joplin tornado
The EPA has also set up a drop-off site for some types of debris from the Joplin tornado.
The EPA's regional office said Tuesday that the site at the Lone Elm Wastewater Treatment Plant in Joplin will be open daily. There will also be curbside pickups.
The agency said it will be taking waste from three categories: household hazardous wastes, electronics and what the agency calls "white goods." White goods are appliances like freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners and other large appliances.
The EPA said all construction debris and vegetative material will be removed by contractors and should be kept separate from household hazardous waste, white goods and electronic equipment.
