Savings the lives of others and reducing damage is the main goals of firefighters. This of course comes with its own inherent dangers as the fire and heat pose an array of hazards. However, when buildings and houses that were constructed using asbestos catch on fire, firefighters are also at risk of ingesting dangerous asbestos fibers, which have been linked to diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
World Trade Center Explosions
On September 11, 2001, thousands of firefighters put their lives at risk to help victims of New York’s 9/11 attack. While they were busy helping arrays of people, tons of asbestos fibers permeated the vicinity www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/mesothelioma-lawyer/new-york/new-york-city/. Since asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral, its fibers become airborne, even through fire and smoke, when disrupted. Both buildings of the World Trade Center (WTC) were built during a time in which asbestos was used frequently in buildings, homes, car parts, and other products.
The surviving firefighters that helped during 9/11 are now at risk for developing asbestos-related cancer www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/cancer/. Unfortunately, most asbestos-related diseases lie dormant for up to 50 years with no symptoms, so it’s imperative that these firefighters seek regular medical check-ups.
Other Risks of Exposure
Not only are firefighters exposed to asbestos when structures made with asbestos are damaged, but also through their own uniforms and in fire stations. Up until the 1970s’, protective gear such as helmets, pants, and boots were made with asbestos because of its fire and heat-resistance properties. In addition, the accumulation of smoke, dust, and dirt can end up directly inside a fire station after workers return to the station. Asbestos can then be transferred into the fire station, putting even more people at risk.
According to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine www.iaff.org/08News/PDF/Cancer.pdf , firefighters are routinely exposed to a number of carcinogens, including asbestos. In fact, lung cancer and mesothelioma are of particular concern. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health www.cdc.gov/niosh/ (NIOSH) also suggests that there is a strong correlation between firefighters and the development of asbestos-related diseases.
Firefighters, and anyone else who has been around asbestos are urged to seek medical assistance and regular check-ups. If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s advised to also seek legal assistance. The Mesothelioma Lawyer Center www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org has in-depth information on asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma cancer, and includes detailed legal information for asbestos victims.
