First Responders and Asbestos Exposure

First responders face many dangers on the job, including asbestos, a toxic mineral once common in construction. When disturbed, its fibers can be inhaled and cause deadly illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer years later. Firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs remain at risk, especially in older buildings and disaster sites where asbestos may still be present

Why First Responders Face Asbestos Exposure

First responders encounter asbestos in a variety of ways, often without realizing it. These risks come from the nature of emergency calls, the buildings they work in, and even the type of equipment available in different eras. Understanding where and how asbestos exposure can happen is the first step toward prevention.

1. Responding to Fires, Collapses, and Disasters

Many calls take first responders straight into situations where asbestos-containing materials are damaged or destroyed.

These situations may include:

Building collapses or explosions
House and apartment fires
Industrial accidents
Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)
Vehicle crashes involving commercial trucks or equipment

In these chaotic environments, asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed and broken apart, releasing airborne fibers into the air. These fibers are microscopic, odorless, and virtually impossible to detect without specialized equipment. Once inhaled, they can remain in the lungs or abdomen permanently.

EMTs and paramedics often work in or near these environments, particularly in confined spaces or during rescue efforts.
Firefighters may be in direct contact with burning insulation, ceiling tiles, or pipe wraps.
Police officers sometimes enter structurally compromised buildings without protective gear.

These are the moments when exposure risk is at its highest, and protective gear is not always enough to stop it.

2. Working in or Near Older Buildings

Many first responders spend their careers in older firehouses, police stations, hospitals, and dispatch centers. If those buildings were constructed before asbestos restrictions, there is a good chance the material is still present.

Asbestos may be lurking in:

Boiler and pipe insulation
Drywall compounds
Fireproof coatings and sprays
Floor and ceiling tile
Roofing materials

It could be in pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing, drywall compound, or fireproof coatings. Exposure can happen during renovations or repairs, but also from simply working in contaminated areas over time. Even the building’s heating and cooling system can move asbestos dust around.

3. Lack of Respiratory Protection in the Past

Protective masks and filters are standard today, but that was not always the case. From the 1960s through the 1990s, many first responders either did not have adequate respiratory protection or did not use it regularly.

Uniforms and gear often stayed on for hours or days after an exposure event, which meant asbestos fibers could continue to be inhaled or carried home. This history explains why many retired responders are only now learning about past asbestos risks.

Who Is at Risk?

Every role in emergency services comes with unique challenges, and one of the most overlooked is the potential for asbestos exposure. Whether on the front lines responding to emergencies or working behind the scenes in support roles, the nature of the job can place individuals in environments where asbestos-containing materials are present.

Dispatchers, Support Personnel, and Retired First Responders

Exposure is not limited to those on the scene of an emergency. Dispatchers, administrative staff, and other support personnel may work in older stations or offices where asbestos is still in the walls, ceilings, or insulation. Retired first responders may have been exposed years ago without realizing it, only to develop symptoms long after leaving the job.

Firefighters

Firefighters face some of the highest asbestos risks in emergency services. Many older buildings contain asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, and other materials. When those materials burn or break apart during a fire, they can release clouds of microscopic fibers into the air. Each time firefighters enter these environments, they may be breathing in something that could affect their health decades later.

Paramedics and EMTs

While they might not be the first profession that comes to mind when thinking about asbestos exposure, paramedics and EMTs are far from safe from it. Responding to accidents or medical emergencies in damaged homes, commercial properties, or vehicles can put them in contact with asbestos materials. They may also treat people who have already been exposed, which means handling contaminated clothing or debris.

Police Officers

Police officers often find themselves in aging buildings, disaster areas, or emergency zones where asbestos may be present. The risk is especially high during large-scale incidents like 9/11, where officers spent extended periods in dust-filled environments that later proved to contain significant amounts of asbestos.

The Latency Period: A Hidden Threat

One of the most dangerous things about asbestos is how long it can remain in the body without causing noticeable problems. The latency period (the time between exposure and symptoms) can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years.

This means a firefighter who was exposed in the 1980s might not feel sick until well into retirement. By the time symptoms show up, the disease may already be advanced, which is why awareness and early screening are so important.

First responders should be aware of the following warning signs:

Abdominal swelling or discomfort
Chest tightness or pain
Difficulty swallowing
Loss of appetite
Night sweats or fevers
Persistent, dry cough
Shortness of breath

If you know you’ve been around asbestos in the past and start noticing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Be sure to share details about your work history, since it can help them decide which tests and screenings are most appropriate.

What First Responders Can Do

First responders can take practical steps right now to better understand their personal risk, protect their health, and help others stay safe. Whether you are still on the job or retired, these actions can make a real difference in catching problems early and preventing future exposures.

1. Know Your Exposure History

Think about the calls you responded to, the buildings you worked in, and the equipment you used.

Ask yourself:

Did your station or facility ever undergo asbestos abatement?
Did you work in or respond to calls in older buildings?
Were you present during fires, collapses, or major disasters?

Write down what you remember so you can share it with your health care provider.

2. Get Regular Medical Screenings

If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos at any point in your career, it is important to be proactive about your health. Regular checkups and targeted screenings can help catch asbestos-related illnesses before they become more advanced.

If you suspect you were exposed, ask your doctor about:

Chest X-rays
Low-dose CT scans
Pulmonary function tests

These can help detect early signs of mesothelioma or other conditions. Some firefighter unions and responder organizations offer health surveillance programs — consider enrolling if available.

3. Share What You Know

Share what you know about asbestos with coworkers, supervisors, and your union. Make sure current responders have the right gear, know how to use it, and follow decontamination procedures after incidents.

Preventing Asbestos Exposure Today

While asbestos use has been heavily restricted in the U.S., it has not been fully banned. Many older buildings and homes still contain asbestos materials.

First responder organizations can take important steps to reduce exposure:

Conduct regular building inspections.
Hire certified asbestos abatement teams for renovations or repairs.
Provide respiratory protection during incidents in older structures.
Train all personnel on asbestos safety.
Follow proper decontamination procedures after potential exposure events.

By making asbestos safety a regular part of training, equipment use, and facility maintenance, departments can help protect the health of both current and future responders. A few preventive measures today can mean fewer illnesses decades from now.

Help for First Responders Exposed to Asbestos

If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos while serving as a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or paramedic, help is available.

First responders with an asbestos-related disease can access:

Educational resources about asbestos and related illnesses
Information on health screenings and early detection
Guidance on finding specialized medical care
Support for caregivers and loved ones

By connecting with organizations that understand these risks and provide tailored support, first responders and their families can get the information, care, and peace of mind they deserve. Your service has protected others — now it’s time to protect your own health.