Can Fires Cause Mesothelioma Cancers?

Every year, fires occur throughout the world regardless of where you live in. Despite several initiatives as well as government intervention effects to promote fire safety education along with proper adoption of current fire fighting technology, fires still take place resulting in loss of lives as well as property. But can it cause cancer? In particular, mesothelioma cancer?

Studies have shown that whenever fires occur, several by-products are created typically existing in the form of carbon particles along with whichever material is on fire. And depending on the type of material on fire, this will definitely have an effect on the amount of carbon generation as well as rate of flame spread (ie, how fast the rate of fire can progress). And if you're not adequately protected and happen to be in the path of the smoke generated, then chances are that you would pretty much inhale a large component of these poisonous substances. While temporary exposure may not have a significant impact on your health, being caught in an environment with no way to escape will definitely have an effect on your health status. Apart from collapsing due to smoke inhalation due to a lack of oxygen in the environment, subsequent recovery along with rehabilitation efforts maybe rather tough as a result of the large amount of carbon particles inhaled.

Unlike smokers who may suffer from cancer over a prolonged period of indulgence, one will not necessarily be a victim of cancer simply because he or she was involved in a fire situation. But, for those of us who are required to be constantly exposed to the effects of fire as a result of our occupation, then you definitely need to take all available precautions to minimize its effects on your health. And yes, studies have shown that cancer can occur for those who work in such occupations due to prolonged inhalation effects and worse still, where no proper personnel protective equipment is used.

But what about mesothelioma cancers? I have explained in my earlier article, "Mesothelioma and Asbestos Side Effects", that mesothioma cancers occur as a result of asbestos exposure mainly due to excessive inhalation of asbestos made by-products or materials. As such, you can assume that if you're ever caught in a prolonged fire scenario or environment where asbestos substances are involved, the chances of incurring mesothelioma cancers are there (although the level of exposure is dependent on various other factors as well). As a recap, typical asbestos made materials found in your homes or offices (and at the factories) include false ceiling panels, sound insulation panel partition walls, raised flooring panels, and many others.

Given this situation, what specific precaution can you take to ensure that you are not overly exposed to these asbestos substances when a fire occurs at your workplace or home? Well, apart from donning a breathing apparatus set (if you know how to use it or if your office has one) or an escape hood, your minimal but temporary level of protection would be to cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief, and to stay well below the smoke level by adopting a baby crawl position all the way out of the building. That's about as minimal a precautionary level you can adapt when all else is not available and you're caught in a fire scenario. And while on your way out, do not panic ans start to push everyone around, this only causes more distress and may cause you to lose focus as you try to evade the toxic environment.

Hopefully this should give you a clear concept on whether fires can cause mesothelioma cancers

(Note: readers must be aware that the views expressed above are those of the author and should not be considered as legal advice or grounds to pursue legal judgment. Visit our website to find out more on mesothelioma and asbestos solutions.)

Gary Ng