Fire could mean asbestos risk
Many buildings still contain asbestos. In fact, there are still asbestos-containing construction materials being sold and used today. A fire can release asbestos from these materials and spread it through the air, causing potential asbestos exposure to those working or living in the area. And even low levels of asbestos exposure increase the risk of contracting malignant mesothelioma, a painful and aggressive cancer.
A fire in downtown Indianapolis recently caused the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to warn people away from the area to avoid the possibility of asbestos exposure from the fire. Because officials did not know whether the apartment complex—still under construction—contained asbestos, they are closely and continuously monitoring air samples from the downtown area. The site will also be inspected for the presence of asbestos before cleanup of the area begins.
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