Asbestos News

The largest fire in Bermuda since 2006 has stirred up concerns that the smoke emanating from the building may have contained asbestos, which could be potentially dangerous to local residents.

According to the Bermuda Sun, the fire took place at an HWP car showroom in Pembroke, Bermuda, forcing 60 firefighters to respond to the scene. Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinshid said that local citizens were told to stay indoors, as fire crews were unable to determine whether or not the smoke contained asbestos.

Hollinshid told the news source that it was still unclear if there was any asbestos that became released into the environment as a result of the fire.

"That’s something I would have to defer to other relevant government departments — what I can say is we’re working with other government departments to see if asbestos was involved. If so, the Department of Environmental services will address that issue," he said.

Asbestos fibers released into the air can have significant consequences for local residents, as the inhalation of such fibers can lead to the development of asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.