Firefighters and Similar Professions That Are At Risk of Asbestos Exposure and Can Develop Mesothelioma


  • Detectives: Often investigate crime scenes in older buildings where asbestos may be present.
  • Disaster relief workers: Can be exposed to asbestos when responding to damaged structures after natural disasters.
  • EMTs: May encounter asbestos in emergency situations, particularly in older buildings.
  • Fire inspectors: Regularly assess fire-damaged buildings, which may contain asbestos materials.
  • First responders: Are frequently exposed to asbestos when responding to emergencies in older structures.
  • Forest and conservation workers: Might come into contact with asbestos when dealing with old facilities or during wildfire responses.
  • Hazardous materials removal workers: Directly handle asbestos-containing materials during remediation efforts.
  • Paramedics: May be exposed to asbestos when providing emergency care in environments with asbestos.
  • Police officers: Can encounter asbestos in crime scenes or during emergency responses in older buildings.
  • Family members of firefighters and first responders: At risk of secondhand asbestos exposure from dust brought home on clothing and equipment.


Like firefighters, other occupations face the risk of asbestos exposure on the job. Any first responder to fires or natural disasters may encounter asbestos fibers.