Asbestos News

There were three recent fires in Edinburgh, UK, and some of the structures destroyed in the blazes are believed to have contained asbestos.

According to the Edinburgh Evening News, a nursery, a Co-op supermarket and a block with both commercial and residential properties recently caught fire in separate incidents. The news source reports that at least two of the fires are believed to have been started on purpose.

"It was a very busy 12-hour period," Community Safety Manager at Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service David Lockhart told the news source.

Making matters more difficult for firefighters was the fact that some of the structures that were engulfed in flames contained asbestos. Fires disturb asbestos and typically allow the deadly mineral fibers to become airborne. If these airborne fires are inhaled they can lead to the development of a range of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Lockhart said that the firefighters took precautions to avoid contact with the naturally occurring mineral.

"There was a potential for asbestos to be involved, so we took steps to avoid risk to firefighters and local residents," he told the news source. "Police advised those nearby to stay inside and keep doors shut."