RESUMEN

El derrumbe de edificios es un problema de salud general, ya que la liberación de polvo y partículas son causa de aparición y exacerbación de enfermedades respiratorias. El derrumbe puede ser debido a terremotos, pero también a bombardeos o uso de explosivos, incendios y demoliciones programadas. Los mayores riesgos los sufren los cuerpos de búsqueda y rescate de estructuras colapsadas (BREC), sin minimizar el impacto en la población general.
La composición de los edificios caídos define la del polvo que se genera, que puede ser contaminado por productos variados de la combustión cuando se generan incendios o explosiones. El polvo, componente más abundante, es un álcali fuerte (pH 9.3 a 11.5) cargado de metales de la construcción, además de hidrocarburos aromáticos. Del incidente del 11 de septiembre sabemos que más del 60% tienen un diámetro superior a 53 micras, pero 20% de las partículas son respirables (2.5-10 micras) y el 2% son menores a 2.5 micras.

PALABRAS CLAVE

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REFERENCIAS

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