## 5 Debris Management and Related Hazards in the Earthquake-Affected Provines in Turkey  
### Hazards Emerging during Earthquake Debris Management  
Among the most hazardous phenomena during earthquake debris management is the formation of dust clouds at collapse, demolition, and debris disposal sites that can contain damaged structural and non-structural materials with asbestos fibers [65; 66; 67; 68; 69]. All workers, volunteers, and residents exposed to asbestos fibers are characterized by a high probability of developing infectious diseases including asbestos, lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon, and pancreas, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, and pleural effusion [68; 69; 70; 71; 72]. Another hazard to which all those involved in earthquake debris management can be exposed is perishable products, which spoil and constitute a breeding ground for bacteria such as _Salmonella_, _Escherichia coli_, and _Campylobacter_ spp. If consumed, these bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses, presenting with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, food left exposed to moisture and inadequate ventilation could create conditions favorable for mold growth and formation of mold substances, which can lead to allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and, in some cases, mycotoxicosis via inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact [73]. Heavy metals including chromium, copper, and arsenic used as preservatives to increase the resistance of wood to corrosive agents have a high potential to threaten all involved in earthquake debris management. Treated wood included in the debris is a detrimental factor especially when arsenic, copper, and chromium are leached in large concentrations [74; 75; 76], when mixed with untreated wood in recycling operations where the resulting product is contaminated to such an extent that it cannot be applied to soil, and when incinerated and heavy metal emissions require the use of appropriate air pollution control equipment [77; 78; 79; 80; 81]. The exposure of those involved in various steps of disposing treated wood to decaying materials leached into soils and waters as well as residents who may come into contact with the residues and products of this treatment through the natural environment (surface water and groundwater bodies and soils) may suffer damage to mucous membranes in the peripheral and central nervous system, parts of nervous tissue and hearing ability [82; 83], increasing incidence of cancer in the urinary bladder, kidney, liver, lung and skin [84; 85; 86; 87], irritation and rashes on the skin and erosion and irritation of the respiratory tract airways causing damage to mucous membranes and development of lung cancer [88; 89]. Another infectious disease that can affect workers, volunteers, and residents taking part in debris management is tetanus, an infectious disease caused by exposure of wounds to _Clostridium tetani_ spores. During the evacuation, debris removal, and subsequent demolitions, there is an increased risk of causing injuries, e.g., punctures to the skin, cuts and abrasions. Any break in skin continuity is a way for bacteria to penetrate the human body and cause tetanus. Tetanus outbreaks have been already reported after the 2004 Indonesia, the 2005 Kashmir, the 2006 Yogyakarta, and the 2010 Haiti earthquakes [90]. Milder debris management impact but equally important for returning residents to normality and ensuring the balance of the natural environment comprises the noise and visual pollution in debris disposal sites. This type of pollution can be attributed to many factors and practices adopted during debris management such as the use of heavy machinery and equipment during demolition and transportation, the increased traffic during debris transport, the selection of inappropriate debris disposal sites near either residential areas or sites with scenic ecological value and sensitive natural landscape.