We all know that first responders risk their lives every day to save the lives of others. What you might not know is that in addition to the obvious and immediate dangers that they face, they are also at increased risk for developing deadly illnesses, years down the road, from toxic exposure. Firefighters are at particularly high risk for asbestos exposure, but police officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics can also be exposed when they respond to scenes where asbestos has been released.
Types of Emergencies Where Asbestos Exposure is Likely
Many buildings, especially older building, still contain asbestos. As long as the structure and its materials remain intact, the asbestos is trapped. When the materials containing asbestos are damaged, the asbestos fibers can become airborne.
Explosions, building collapse, and natural disasters can cause huge amounts of asbestos to be released into the air suddenly. The result is intense exposure, which can lead to severe and rapidly advancing asbestos disease. The most well-known example of this type of scenario occurred when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11.
Firefighters face more subtle, but still deadly exposure on a regular basis because they are called upon to enter burning and recently collapsed structures as a routine part of their job.
If you or someone you love was a first responder who has developed mesothelioma anywhere in California or the United States, please call the San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online today. With our extensive experience and track record of success, we will help you and your family get the compensation that you need and deserve. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
