Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

Currently, some of the most tragic news is the number of fatalities and level of loss caused by the bushfires in Victoria, Australia. More than a third of the state is burned, whole towns are wiped out, almost 2000 homes destroyed, and 181 people are known to be dead, with that number expected to rise as hundreds are still unaccounted. 

 

Residents, firefighters, and search and rescue teams have been provided with masks and given a warning about the high risk of exposure to asbestos, as many of the buildings and structures burned were originally built using asbestos containing materials. The threat of exposure to asbestos has slowed recovery efforts, but safety precautions are urged, especially as further efforts now involve looking through and under rubble and debris that could very well contain asbestos dust and particles. 

 

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials until the mid 1980’s, in large part due to it’s heat and fire resistant properties, low cost, and availability. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is now known to be carcinogenic. Intact, undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, risk of exposure is high when asbestos is disturbed, causing fibers to be released into the air and then inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.  

 

Firefighters and rescue members should take safety measures as they search through the remains of buildings to prevent such exposure to the deadly substance.