Asbestos News
Linen factory fire in UK poses asbestos risks
Firefighters in the UK recently worked to put out a blaze at a factory that contained asbestos.The Peter Greig & Co. linen factory in Fife burned down recently, according to the UK Press Association. Making the fighting of the fire even more difficult was that it was believed that asbestos was present in the building.
The presence of asbestos in burning buildings presents a number of serious risks as flames can not only disturb the naturally occurring substance but they can spread them throughout the area. If these deadly mineral fibers are inhaled they can cause a number of deadly illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
A Fife Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said that a decontamination unit was brought in to deal with the possible asbestos threat. In addition, a number of other precautions were taken.
"We used breathing apparatus and high pressure hose reels to put the fire out," she told the news source. "The premises was then ventilated. No one was injured in either of these incidents."
Multiple news sources report that the amount of damage sustained by the building is not yet known.
8/1/11
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