Battalion Chief Tommy Smith noted, “All 11 units were on the scene, which is about 44 firefighters.” Smith is grateful that residents are safe. Eighteen apartments were affected by the blaze. Eight were damaged, and two were destroyed.
The apartment building, built in 1986, may contain asbestos. Asbestos was once commonly used in construction materials, within drywall, roofing and tile flooring. The material was most commonly exploited for its fire retardant properties.
When the material is disturbed, the particles become airborne. And once airborne, the asbestos is easily inhaled. Extended exposure to the toxic material has been known to cause several diseases, including malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos cancer, which forms from the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma clinics support the usage of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery as beneficial forms of treatment. Such treatment, however, tends to arrive in the later stages of the patient’s disease.
The Chief has noted that the blaze began on the exterior of the building. The bushes below the windows acted as a kindling, spreading the blaze. The cause of the fire is unknown.
The building must be tested for hazardous asbestos material, in order to determine whether the site is safe.Mesothelioma Mesothelioma Mesothelioma
source: www.mesothelioma.com
