When it comes to firefighters, asbestos exposure, which commonly goes unnoticed, is a deadly threat that firefighters often face. Therefore, for firefighters, asbestos-related cancer has emerged as the leading occupational cause of death. Asbestos, a dangerous mineral, poses a significant risk to firefighters as they confront fires in old buildings and disaster situations.
How Firefighters Are Exposed to Asbestos
During the 20th century, asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in various structures. When these structures catch fire, they release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. To mitigate exposure, firefighters are equipped with safety gear, but proper usage and decontamination are crucial. Failure to provide adequate equipment not only endangers firefighters but also exposes their families to the toxic substances present in ash and debris.
Some of these asbestos-incorporated building materials include cement, roof shingles, insulation, and flooring. These asbestos materials can either be categorized as friable, capable of releasing asbestos fibers easily, or nonfriable, keeping the fibers in place. However, in this scenario, all materials become effectively friable, distinguishing firefighters from other workers who typically face gradual asbestos exposure.
9/11 Asbestos Exposure
One of the most tragic examples of firefighters’ asbestos exposure occurred during the 9/11 attacks. When the World Trade Center towers collapsed, they released a massive dust cloud containing asbestos, heavy metals, and burning plastics. Thousands of firefighters, including those from across the country who rushed to aid New York’s firefighters, often did so without proper respiratory protection. As a result, many of these first responders now suffer from fatal lung diseases and various cancers. Unfortunately, the death toll is expected to rise for decades as asbestos-related illnesses often manifest years after exposure.
Asbestos and Severe Health Conditions
Immediate symptoms do not manifest after initially inhaling asbestos fibers, causing asbestos to go unnoticed. After some time, these fibers can cause severe health problems and conditions. Some of the asbestos-related conditions firefighters may encounter include mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the pleural and peritoneal linings; asbestos-related lung cancer, responsible for a significant number of annual deaths; asbestosis, a non-cancerous condition causing lung tissue scarring; and pleural plaques and thickening, leading to painful breathing due to scarring in the pleural lining.
In conclusion, firefighters confront a dangerous, yet hidden risk, in the form of asbestos exposure. As cancer becomes the leading cause of occupational death among firefighters, it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect their health. Providing proper equipment, training, and support for firefighters is essential in ensuring their safety and well-being as they bravely continue to protect our communities.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call the Halpern Law Firm at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our form for legal help. Call today for a free case evaluation and to get more information. We have over 30 years of experience and have won over $100 million for our clients.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/firefighters.htm#tab-3
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/09/01/911.firefighters.cancer/
Written By Jeff Nelson
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