Firefighters are among the most at-risk professions for occupational asbestos exposure. And while many believe asbestos to be a hazard of decades ago, the fact is that asbestos still makes up construction components of nearly 80% of homes and other structures built prior to 1980. To avoid exposure, it is important that firefighters know where these are likely to occur.

The first point of exposure is during the initial extinguishing of the fire itself. During this stage, most firefighters wear protective equipment to avoid inhalation of hazardous substances, including asbestos. However, emergency situations can necessitate the removal of these protective measures, and firefighters should be aware that any burning construction component, including drywall, insulation, and tiling could potentially contain hazardous asbestos materials. The second point of exposure is following the initial stage of firefighter and can occur during the overhaul, as the final remnants of fire are suppressed. Often during this period, cumbersome protective equipment is removed. It also poses a further hazard in that often while all embers are extinguished, the firefighters are forced to engage directly with damaged construction materials, any number of which could potentially contain asbestos.

Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that attacks the pleural lining of the lungs. Options for mesothelioma treatment are limited and most prognoses are less than a year to live. Awareness of these hazards is imperative for the prevention of asbestos exposure and likewise, the prevention of mesothelioma. Firefighters who suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos should closely monitor respiratory symptoms and contact a physician with further questions.