Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risk for First Responders

How Are First Responders Exposed to Asbestos?

First responders face asbestos exposure risks when they assist with disaster recovery and repair. Catastrophes can disturb asbestos products in buildings, releasing fibers. Asbestos was a construction staple for decades until regulations slowed its use beginning in the 1970s.

Disasters present an exposure risk to anyone present before cleanup is completed. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to various diseases, like mesothelioma cancer.

First responders are at risk of exposure during and after any event that disturbs asbestos. Damage to asbestos-containing buildings or products can be hazardous. Common types of disasters first responders may be involved with include:

• Intentional man-made disasters: Intentional man-made disasters include acts of terrorism, arson, war and environmental degradation. First responders involved in firefighting, cleanup and search and rescue may experience exposure.
• Natural disasters: Hurricanes, floods and wildfires can tear apart older buildings and equipment. This can damage their internal asbestos products. Asbestos products may spread widely in areas affected by natural disasters. For example, New Jersey officials warned residents of asbestos risks after Hurricane Sandy.
• Unintentional man-made disasters: These include waterline bursts, gas explosions and other equipment failures. Old infrastructure, such as water pipes that may contain asbestos, can fail. When it does, it can release asbestos. When components are disturbed or worn, they may spread the dangerous carcinogen around.

Many people may be exposed to asbestos while responding to these events. In some cases, they may be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE). However, immediate response teams may not be wearing PPE.

First responders continue to face asbestos exposure risks. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took action to regulate asbestos beginning in the 1970s. By the 1980s, most companies had stopped using the mineral.

But there is no law that requires all buildings to remove any traces of asbestos. Old buildings may still contain asbestos that can be disturbed during emergency situations.

What Asbestos Products Put First Responders at Risk?

First responders may have been exposed to asbestos from:

• Adhesives, bonding and sealers
• Blankets
• Cement
• Cement sheets
• Construction materials
• Electric panels
• Felt
• Fireproofing materials
• Flooring
• Gaskets
• Household appliances
• Insulation
• Paint
• Pipes and plumbing
• Popcorn ceilings
• Roofing
• Siding
• Spray-on coating
• Textiles
• Tiles
• Vinyl
• Wallpaper

Before the 1980s, asbestos was commonly used in buildings, infrastructure and machinery. Many companies used it for its strength, low cost and resistance to heat and chemicals. But disturbed asbestos poses health risks.

Asbestos companies produced, distributed and used dangerous products. Many of these companies were aware of the negative health effects of the mineral. However, various manufacturers incorporated asbestos into products for nearly a century. As a result, many first responders have been exposed to the mineral. It continues to pose a threat.

Common Places First Responders May Find Asbestos

First responders may come into contact with asbestos in areas like:

• Attics
• Basements
• Beaches
• Boiler rooms
• Buildings
• Factories
• Homes
• Manufacturing facilities
• Power and utility facilities
• Schools
• Ships
• Shipyards
• Waterways

Asbestos was often used in areas subject to heat, pressure and/or chemical exposure. This includes any equipment routinely subjected to high heat, such as HVAC systems and boilers.

Fire-resistant materials such as insulation and other building materials also contained asbestos. First responders may be exposed to these products in the buildings or in debris after a disaster.

First Responders and At-Risk Trades

Many people in different fields become first responders in times of need. Typically, these fields include medical personnel, law enforcement officers and firefighters. These and other individuals may come into contact with asbestos during relief efforts.

At-risk professions in the first responders field include:

• Cleanup crews
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
• Firefighters
• Law enforcement officers
• Military personnel
• Paramedics
• Police officers
• Rebuilding teams
• Search and rescue personnel
• Volunteers

Any of these individuals may be at risk of asbestos exposure when responding to a disaster. Firefighters are among the most at risk for exposure. Because they respond so quickly to disasters, hazardous materials like asbestos may be present when they arrive. In addition, some fire suits were made with the mineral for flame resistance. Damage to such suits could result in asbestos exposure.

First responders may also unwittingly expose their loved ones to asbestos. This is called secondary asbestos exposure. It occurs when people accidentally transport asbestos fibers on their person. Family members at home may inhale or ingest the fibers. Even hugging their loved ones or assisting with their laundry can cause exposure.

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Mesothelioma Risk for First Responders

First responders may come into contact with asbestos while attending to disasters. Any level of asbestos exposure can cause illnesses like mesothelioma cancer.

Firefighters are among the first responders most at risk for an asbestos disease. Researchers in the United States and several Nordic countries have found that firefighters get mesothelioma much more often than the general population.

EMTs, search and rescue personnel and cleanup crews may also develop asbestos diseases. First responders may choose routine medical monitoring if they may have been exposed. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) provides routine screenings for members. The World Trade Center Health Program also offers health monitoring for 9/11 survivors.

Routine cancer screenings may allow mesothelioma doctors to diagnose asbestos-related cancers earlier. More treatment options may be available for patients whose mesothelioma is diagnosed earlier.

Compensation for First Responders With Occupational Asbestos Exposure

First responders who develop an asbestos disease in the line of duty may be eligible for compensation. They may qualify to file mesothelioma lawsuits and asbestos trust fund claims. Individuals exposed during the World Trade Center attacks may also be able to file a claim with the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

A mesothelioma attorney can help first responders and their families in a couple of ways. They can help determine the best course of action for compensation. They can also help them hold responsible parties accountable for their disease. Asbestos victims should contact a mesothelioma law firm to discuss their legal options.