Firefighters

Overhaul is the phase after a fire is knocked down, when crews pull ceilings, open walls and search for hidden fire. This work disturbs building materials directly, and in older structures those materials can include asbestos. In the past, firefighters sometimes removed their breathing protection during overhaul, believing the danger had passed once the smoke cleared. That practice could greatly increase exposure. If you're describing your career, note how often you did overhaul work, the types of buildings involved and whether breathing protection was usually worn while you were doing it.

Dust from fire scenes can cling to turnout gear, helmets, hoses and tools. In earlier years, gear was often not cleaned thoroughly after each call, and it was commonly stored in or near living areas of the station. That could spread fibers beyond the fire scene to places where firefighters ate and slept. Some older firefighting equipment and station buildings also contained asbestos. When documenting your exposure, include how gear was handled, cleaned and stored in each department where you served, and whether you ever took gear or uniforms home.

Fire departments usually keep records of incidents, assignments and training, which can help show where and when you responded to calls. Many states have presumption laws that treat certain cancers in firefighters as job-related for workers' compensation purposes. Whether and how those laws apply to mesothelioma varies from state to state. Firefighters may also have claims against the manufacturers of asbestos products they encountered on the job or elsewhere. Understanding both options, and how they interact, helps you choose the right path and avoid missing a deadline. A single review can compare the options side by side.

1. 1

   Request your department's employment, assignment and incident history records for your career.

2. 2

   List notable fires in older buildings, especially those that involved long overhaul operations.

3. 3

   Ask your union or department whether your state has firefighter cancer presumption laws.

4. 4

   Seek a case review that considers both workers' compensation and product manufacturer claims.