First Responders at Higher Risk of Asbestos Exposure
First Responders, especially firefighters, are at higher risk of being exposed to asbestos when battling blazes. During a fire or building collapse, such as the World Trade Center during 9/11, many dangerous chemicals and toxins are released into the air, including asbestos fibers. Almost any building built before the 1980’s will contain construction materials that contain asbestos.
Asbestos was widely used in building materials and products because of its fire resistance and thermal insulating properties. Undisturbed, intact asbestos containing materials do no pose a health risk. However, during a fire or collapse of a building, the materials become hazardous and release asbestos fibers into the air.
Asbestos is often found in cement, insulation, fireproofing, and wall, floor, ceiling and roofing materials. During a fire, hot air currents can carry asbestos fibers released when cold water hits asbestos or when the structure collapses, causing asbestos containing materials to become friable (airborne).
Once inhaled, asbestos can lead to mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest, heart or abdomen) or lung cancer. The symptoms of asbestos related diseases do appear until more than 15 years after initial exposure, and are hard to diagnose. Currently, despite ongoing research, there is no known cure for mesothelioma and life expectancy is usually quite short after diagnosis. Studies have shown that emergency responders are at a heighten risk of exposure.
More and more firefighters are developing mesothelioma and asbestos related cancers despite precautionary measure taken, such as using air masks. Firefighters do not always have the air tanks readily available or are not wearing breathing apparatuses during overhauls and complete extinguishing. Asbestos may also attach to firefighters’ protective clothing and be a source of exposure not only to the worker, but also any family members. Contaminated clothing must be handled properly to avoid posing a health hazard, and often firefighters are not aware of this risk.
It is imperative that firefighters be trained about how to handle building materials that probably contain asbestos. A few common asbestos containing materials are:
- Drywall materials
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Pipe, wall and ceiling insulation
- Roofing products
- Electric wire insulation
If you are a firefighter and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness, please call toll free 1-800-440-4262 or visit our website to get more information about medical treatments for mesothelioma and your legal rights to receive financial compensation and justice.
