Mitigating Health Risks After a Fire: Dealing with Asbestos and Other Hazards

By Ron Fanish
 
Veteran firefighters know that even when a blaze is extinguished, many other health hazards remain within the damaged structure and its surrounding environment. Buildings – especially older ones dating back several decades – contain a number of dangerous substances that can be released during a fire, presenting a serious threat to emergency workers and anyone else present.
 
The next time you and your team are working in the aftermath of a fire, consider these four techniques to mitigate health risks:
 
Always wear the necessary personal protective equipment. For a firefighter, personal protective equipment isn’t simply to protect against flames and intense heat. Personal protective equipment also protects fire professionals from harsh and dangerous substances like asbestos, lead and mercury, and hydrogen cyanide, all of which can be released during and after a fire. For this reason, fire professionals should always be equipped with respirators, gloves, protective clothing, safety goggles, and other equipment, in case they come in contact with these toxic gasses, heavy metals, and other substances. It’s also essential that all personal protective equipment is fitted and inspected properly and regularly. Further, all fire professionals should be trained on the equipment’s proper usage and disposal.
 
Conduct a thorough assessment of the property. Once the blaze has been extinguished and the structural integrity of the building determined, it’s key to scout for all the dangerous substances mentioned above. These are often released into the air when materials like insulation, particle board, plastics, and metals burn. Once all potential hazards have been identified, it’s time to put together a comprehensive, safety-first cleanup and restoration plan. This often entails working with environmental experts, health professionals, and cleaning and restoration professionals who have deep expertise, tools, and techniques for eliminating hazardous substances.
 
Be alert to asbestos. One of the most common – and most dangerous – substances that firefighters can encounter in the aftermath of a fire is asbestos. Asbestos is a type of natural fiber that was once frequently used in construction, but it can also cause serious respiratory illnesses and cancers. If asbestos is indeed present, it’s essential to work with asbestos removal experts. Attempting to move the substance improperly can release the small fibers into the air, where they are easily inhaled. Asbestos removal experts take careful measures, like sealing off the affected area, deploying negative air pressure to prevent the fibers from spreading throughout the property, and special disposal techniques that are required by law.
 
Conduct continuous air quality monitoring. Before, during, and after working in a fire-damaged building, it’s critical for fire professionals to conduct thorough and continuous air quality monitoring. Monitoring equipment like gas detectors, smoke and particulate monitors, thermal imaging cameras, and other technology allow fire professionals to stay aware of airborne contaminants in the vicinity. It’s also critical that everyone be updated on the current air quality – chiefs should communicate early and often about what the devices are reporting.
 
The aftermath of a fire can present many dangers to firefighting professionals. To mitigate major health risks, it’s essential that fire chiefs and their teams take all the necessary precautions. With the right equipment and techniques, even the most dangerous substances can be dealt with, and emergency professionals can leave the scene safe and healthy.
 
About the Author
Ron Fanish is co-owner of Rainbow Restoration of Westchester, a full-service, one-stop shop for restoration, cleaning, and reconstruction based in Westchester County, N.Y.