Asbestos Causes Complications in Fontana, California Fire

In Fontana, California, firefighters faced additional complications when fighting a blaze in a residential neighborhood. The fire was out of control, and burned down a residential home on Tuesday morning. Investigators for the fire department now believe the fire was the work of an arsonist.

Firefighting teams were forced to take extra precautions at the scene when it was revealed that the home contained deadly asbestos.

Asbestos poses serious health risks. Once a common component of a building materials such as floor and ceiling tiles, siding, fireproofing, and some textured paints, asbestos is now banned in dozens of countries around the globe. The United States has yet to ban the deadly substance.

When disturbed, asbestos fibers and dust can be released into the air. That debris can prove deadly. Airborne asbestos fibers can be inhaled, where they can be permanently lodged in the soft tissues of the lungs.

Asbestos is linked to conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer, can develop decades after the initial exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can manifest in the heart, lungs, or lining of the abdomen. In many cases, by the time the disease in diagnosed, the patient has less than 2 years to live.

It is not uncommon for asbestos debris to be launched into the yards of neighboring homes during and after a house fire. Since airborne asbestos can drift far from the source of the fire, a house fire where asbestos is present can cause potential health problems for an entire community.

25 firefighters responded to the scene after neighbors reported seeing smoke coming from the house. No one was injured in the blaze. The arson investigation is ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached.

Source: http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_12247579