What is mesothelioma and how does it affect firefighters?

Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer affecting the lining of organs, primarily caused by asbestos exposure, which many firefighters have experienced.

Why are firefighters at higher risk of asbestos exposure?

Historically, firefighters worked in buildings containing asbestos and often lacked proper protective gear and awareness training for its dangers.

What is being done to protect current firefighters from asbestos?

Efforts include asbestos awareness training, improved PPE decontamination campaigns, and calls for a national asbestos register and safer work environments.

Home / Health / Hidden Asbestos Threat Burns Through Firefighter Lives

Hidden Asbestos Threat Burns Through Firefighter Lives

10 Dec

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Summary

Firefighters face high rates of terminal cancer from asbestos exposure.
Inadequate PPE cleaning and storage risks continued exposure.
Calls grow for national asbestos register and building removal.

Hidden Asbestos Threat Burns Through Firefighter Lives

Scores of firefighters have developed mesothelioma, a terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure, with the disease significantly outpacing fatalities in the line of duty. Many former firefighters recount working without adequate protection or warnings about asbestos, a known carcinogen prevalent in older buildings and materials. This has led to debilitating health consequences decades after initial exposure.

The risks persist today, as a survey revealed serious shortcomings in PPE decontamination protocols. Firefighters often store contaminated gear improperly, and a lack of adequate showering facilities means they may carry toxic fibers home. This poses a grave danger not only to the firefighters but also to their families, highlighting a systemic failure in safeguarding their health.

Campaigns are now urging the government to implement a phased asbestos removal from public buildings and establish a national digital register. Experts emphasize that firefighters face some of the highest risks and that current protections are largely absent, calling the situation a "national disgrace." The international health community also recognizes firefighting as a carcinogenic profession, with firefighters having a significantly increased risk of mesothelioma.