How to Manage PPE Asbestos Exposure

The approach used for dealing with contaminated clothing depends on the nature of the contaminant and the extent of it. Certainly some contaminants are more hazardous than others. But one that seems to be of increasing concern for firefighters is exposure to asbestos.

During a fire, firefighters can be exposed to a broad spectrum of construction materials. In older buildings, especially those built before the 1980s, some of these materials can contain asbestos. The hot air currents at a fire can carry asbestos fibers that are released when cold water hits hot asbestos or when structural failure causes asbestos-containing components to break. Also, fires may cause non-friable asbestos materials (materials in which the asbestos fibers are not easily broken apart) to become friable.

Firefighters are protected from fiber inhalation when they wear their self-contained breathing apparatus. However, SCBA are not always worn during all parts of the fire operations, particularly during overhaul when asbestos, if present, will still be airborne. Activities such as pulling ceilings or pipes or opening walls to be sure fires are completely extinguished pose additional risks to firefighters because the asbestos fibers released during a fire may get on the firefighters' protective clothing.


Asbestos fibers tend to become entrained in the textile portions of clothing and equipment in contrast to smooth surfaces, where they may more easily be removed. If contaminated clothing is not handled properly, it can pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with the clothing.

A 1990 study of 226 firefighters in New York City showed 50 percent to have chest X-rays with abnormalities characteristically caused by asbestos exposure. More recently, it was found that tons of asbestos were released into the local atmosphere during the collapse of the World Trade Center North Tower that was constructed in the 1970s and for which all asbestos had not been removed.

In addition to its well-known use as a fire-retardant and heat insulator, asbestos was also used as a reinforcing or binding agent in plastics and cement. This use was continued into the 1980s, where asbestos was used in building materials including plaster, drywall materials, floor tiles, roofing products, wall and ceiling insulation and electric wiring insulation.

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