Dangers of Asbestos Exposure for Firefighters
A few weeks ago we wrote of the dangers of asbestos exposure for the fire fighters who were trying to stop the blazes in Victoria, Australia. The recovery efforts in response to the bushfires were slowed as many of the buildings that burned were constructed with asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes serious diseases, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Because asbestos has amazing fire resistant qualities and insulating properties, the mineral was added to may materials and products used in construction. Asbestos, when in sound and in-tact condition, does not pose a health hazard. However, when asbestos products are damaged or disturbed, such as in the case of fire, the asbestos becomes friable, or airborne. The asbestos fibers are then inhaled and can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, slwoing causing scarring and cancer.
Symptoms of an asbestos-related disease can take decades after time of exposure to develope. Often by the time the disease is diagnosed, there is little that can be done to treat the cancer. This is particularly true of mesothelioma, a very aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
Last week, the entire maintenance division of the Boston Fire Department filed claims of asbestos exposure. The fire department and maintenance buildings as well as the brakes on old fire trucks are believed to contain asbestos. Maintenance workers fear that they are at risk of exposure. The mass claim may serve to establish future disability claims should any of the workers develop an asbestos related disease.
Firefighters who respond to fires have a high risk of coming into contact with asbestos. Fires damage asbestos containing materials, causing the toxic substance to become airborne. Even if firefighters are using breathing apparatuses, the airborne asbestos can still be inhaled. Often, special decontamination units who are trained in containing and removing toxic substances are called in if asbestos is discovered.
Certain regulations and recommendations are made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and OSHA to protect persons who may come into contact with asbestos. The first and foremost recommendation and best defense is to avoid or limit exposure to asbestos dust. It is recommended that those in a contaminated area wear appropriate respirators to prevent dust from being inhaled. There are specific masks that protect agains asbestos inhalation, and a good fit is necessary. An inadequate mask or a poor fit can allow dust to bypass the filter and reduce any protection from the mask.
Other precautions firefighters or anyone in a contaminated area should take are:
- avoid entering visibly dusty areas
- put contaminated clothes in a sealed bag without shaking first, and wash separately
- avoid dry sweeping or other dust-clearing procedures that could disturb and spread asbestos dust
- dampen settled dust with a fine mist of water to reduce dust amounts and prevent it from becoming airborne
- remove dusty protective clothing worn in contaminated areas while still wearing the correct respiratory device
- change any contaminated clothing and shower before entering your vehicle or returning home to prevent dust from being transported on your skin, hair, or clothing
- put contaminated clothes in a sealed bag without shaking first, and wash separately
Despite the known dangers of asbestos and taking precautionary measures, firefighters have a higher risk of exposure due to their occupation. If you or someone you know is a firefighter who is at risk of developing or has already developed an asbestos-related disease, seeking advice and assistance from an experienced mesothelioma attorney is highly recommended.
Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason are attorneys who specialize in representing clients who have an asbestos-related disease. Headquartered in Sausalito, California, they serve the entire United States and have successfully represented clients in almost every state. Please call 1-800-440-4262 if you would like to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer at no cost.
