If you're a firefighter, you probably know a thing or two about asbestos. But, if you don't, you SHOULD. What you don't know, quite frankly, could kill you.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring toxin that - up until the institution of asbestos usage laws by the federal government in the early eighties - was popular in the development of a number of products, including drywall, stucco, floor, ceiling and roofing tiles, attic insulation, and automobile brakes. Before the usage laws, no one really knew that asbestos exposure may lead to serious health issues, including the development of a fatal cancer known as mesothelioma. Despite these laws (note: asbestos has not been banned in the U.S., although a number of senators and advocacy groups have been pushing for a ban for years) almost 35 million buildings, including homes and commercial structures, still contain dangerous amounts of asbestos materials.

How are Firefighters Exposed?

Asbestos was originally popular because it was very resistant to heat. This is why it is so prevalent in older homes in the form of insulation in attics and surrounding pipes, and in ceiling tiles and certain brands of duct tape that was used on electrical wires, etc. If a fire occurs in an older structure that contains these types of materials, exposure may occur, as damaged asbestos products may become friable and release tiny asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers, once airborne, can be inhaled by firefighters, and they will remain in the mesothelium (the lining of the internal organs) for up to 50 years and may eventually form a malignant mesothelioma cancer tumor.

Firefighters - at least the vast majority, if not all - are required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus while at the scene of a fire. An SCBA not only protects a firefighter from inhaling smoke and other airborne toxins, but they will also prevent the inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, if a firefighter removes their SCBA after the fire has been extinguished, they may be at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers that are still being released into the air by cooling debris. It is very important that firefighters continue to wear their SCBA during the rehab and overhaul phase to avoid asbestos exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare but always fatal type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium (hence the name mesothelioma). There are 3 types:

Pleural Mesothelioma, which occurs in the pleura, or lining of the lungs and is the most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma cancer,

Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which manifests in the peritoneum, or lining of the abdomen,

Pericardial Mesothelioma, occurring in the peritoneal lining of the heart and is considered to be the most rare form of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma has a very long latency period of 20 to 50 years, and the majority of new patients are in their sixties or seventies when they receive a diagnosis. There is no cure for mesothelioma, and treatment methods are simply temporary pallative measures. Most sufferers will lose their battle with this type of cancer in less than 2 years following initial diagnosis.

If you are a firefighter, you need to know how to protect yourself from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma cancer is 100% deadly, but 100% avoidable.