-February 20, 2008
A firehouse in North Bend, WA, was recently shut down due to the discovery of high levels of asbestos and bad air-quality.
A staff that includes 15 firefighters and 10 paramedics was recently relocated to another location since reports came in regarding the asbestos problems.
Asbestos Problems in Firehouses Across U.S.
The latest issue about the Seattle based firehouses followed reports of firehouses in Washington D.C. having problems with the harmful carcinogen.
Asbestos was reportedly commonly used in firehouse construction until the late 1970’s, when it was eventually banned due to its risks.
These days, older firehouses are deemed risky seeing as they were built with asbestos and firemen are being exposed to the substance on a daily basis.
Asbestos Used to Build Firehouses
In the past, the insulation in firehouses was constructed with asbestos and the substance was used in a variety of compounds such as the flooring, ceiling tiles and piping in the facilities.
Although, in many circumstances these materials are not of concern, as time progresses the chances of them cracking and breaking has increased, which is putting firefighters at risk.
(Source: transworldnews.com)
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