The wildfires that have raged in Los Angeles for nearly two weeks, since January 7, 2025, wreaked havoc on homes, landscapes, and businesses. As if that is not difficult to come to terms with, a secondary threat has emerged: the risk of illnesses caused by airborne toxins. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has issued a stark warning to its officers and firefighters striving to contain the fires in the remaining hot spots, emphasizing the dangers of asbestos and its link to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Asbestos, once commonly used in construction materials, poses severe health risks when disturbed. Although asbestos has been banned in most new U.S. construction projects, houses and buildings built before the 1980s often contain this toxic material in insulations, pipework, roofing, and other building materials. As a result of the recently witnessed wildfires in L.A, asbestos fibers trapped behind walls, in attics, or embedded in building materials may have been released into the air. Once airborne, these invisible fibers can be inhaled or ingested, posing serious health risks to anyone nearby, especially first responders and residents returning to assess the damage.
Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, including:
- Asbestosis
This is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
- Lung Cancer
Asbestos is a known contributor to certain types of lung cancer.
- Malignant Mesothelioma
This rare cancer affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart and is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop and is incurable, hence the stern warning by the L.A sheriff for firefighters and officers reporting to work in the affected areas. To mitigate such results, the Sheriff's Department has advised all personnel to wear N95 masks while in affected zones and to decontaminate clothing and equipment before returning home because even secondary asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma.
First responders and homeowners alike are at a heightened risk for asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma. Several deputies have reported red eyes, persistent coughing, and headaches, which can be early signs of exposure to harmful particles. This situation underscores the need for public awareness and safety measures in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. While first responders are trained to handle such risks, the general public often lacks the resources or knowledge to protect themselves from dangers like airborne asbestos.
If you are a homeowner or resident of the affected areas, it is advisable to wear appropriate gear and avoid disturbing ash or debris. Additionally, homeowners should consult professionals before beginning cleanup or renovations on fire-damaged properties. Remember that illnesses like mesothelioma have a prolonged latency period, often taking decades to become noticeable. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage has usually occurred to the heart, abdomen, and lining of the lungs.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment and help you and your family live a more comfortable life.