Fire Chief

By Jennifer Miller

Asbestos isn’t a new problem for firefighters, yet it’s one that they often overlook. Indeed, firefighters have been facing the dangers of asbestos inhalation for decades.

Manufacturers of building products used asbestos freely through the first three-quarters of the 20th century, largely due to its low cost, quick availability, and impressive fire- and heat-resistance. But asbestos — when touched by fire or damaged in any way — releases dangerous, sharp fibers that become airborne and can be readily inhaled. The result of this may be the development of one of the world’s deadliest cancers — mesothelioma. Unfortunately, firefighters are among those at high risk for the disease, even more than 30 years after the government issued strict asbestos guidelines.

Many firefighters have responded at one time or another to a fire at an old house, manufacturing plant or other structure that surely contains asbestos, which was commonly used in insulation, shingles, floor and ceiling tiles and a host of other products. And while exposure is going to be much less than if one encountered the toxic material each day while on the job, experts have continually repeated the mantra: “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.”

Furthermore, asbestos is a hidden danger because no one is present at the fire to explain exactly where the asbestos is located and how to avoid it. That means firefighters literally go blindly into an asbestos-laden building, never quite sure where the mineral will materialize. It can be present when a building collapses or when a firefighter punches a hole in a wall. It can be found in crumbled concrete or in blistered plaster or paint.

So how can one be sure that firefighters heading into a blaze are prepared to handle the dangers of asbestos?

Actually, those that head directly into the burning building are probably at lowest risk for asbestos inhalation because they wear SCBA when encountering a blaze. Nevertheless, firefighters should be educated as to the most common uses of asbestos and where it is most often found inside a structure.

But what about those who stand outside and fight the blaze? Shouldn’t they be offered equal protection from asbestos inhalation? Perhaps it’s time to demand that those firefighters also don the gear that will prevent their exposure to airborne particles. Asbestos can certainly make its way to those individuals who are outside as well as inside, putting them at harms way each time they take a breath. Wearing a SCBA with a proper filter will eliminate this concern.

Perhaps at highest risk for exposure are those who remain at the site of the fire until the last tiny ember has been extinguished or those who investigate after a fire. Testing of rubble and other asbestos-containing debris after a blaze often shows high levels of the hazardous mineral left behind and that should be of immediate concern. Consider, for example, the aftermath of Sept. 11, terrorist attacks. First responders were quick to develop asbestos-related diseases and one paramedic even died of mesothelioma — a disease that normally remains latent for 20 to 40 years — within five years.

While one hopes never to encounter debris on such a grand scale ever again, even the remains of a smaller fire can — like the remains of 9/11 — be filled with toxic asbestos that’s left smoldering even after the flames are gone. Simply put, chiefs must be certain that those involved with overhaul or investigation wear SCBAs, especially if the presence of asbestos has been confirmed. Air monitoring should be a part of the plan as well in order to protect post-fire personnel from inhalation.

Furthermore, firefighters should be made to adhere to strict hygiene habits when involved with asbestos-containing fires or debris. SCBAs should be cleaned thoroughly and any protective clothing worn when asbestos is present should not be brought into common areas unless clean. Secondary exposure to asbestos is a very real threat and no firefighter would want colleagues or family to be exposed to its deadly fibers. Firefighters should hose off or have a place to shower to wash fibers from their body and hair before encountering others who are unprotected. Decontamination is best achieved at the scene of the fire.

More and more stories of firefighters being exposed to asbestos during training have surfaced. All structures that are to be used for training should be thoroughly inspected by fire officials before any exercises are conducted at the site. A simple inspection can avoid a potentially deadly problem and any asbestos found in the structure should be removed before firefighters are permitted to practice at that particular location.

An estimated 80% of all buildings constructed before 1978 contain asbestos in some form or another, including perhaps, the fire station. Firefighters may be working in a building that’s laden with asbestos. Search the Internet for stories about asbestos in fire stations and you’ll undoubtedly find many. While most chiefs understand the dangers of asbestos, many are unaware that the dangerous mineral may be right under their nose. Stories of damaged ceilings leaking asbestos or flaking pipe insulation are commonplace. Fire stations, just like schools and other public buildings, should have an effective asbestos management plan in place and have regular inspections. Any damaged materials should be removed or encapsulated by an asbestos-abatement professional, not a member of the fire department.

Jennifer Miller is an awareness and outreach coordinator for Mesothelioma.com. Through public-outreach efforts and the distribution of informational materials, Mesothelioma.com aims to increase awareness of asbestos exposure and the associated health risks, including the development of mesothelioma cancer.