Wildfires can pose various risks to human health, and one potential concern is the release of asbestos fibers into the air. During a wildfire, if buildings or structures containing asbestos are affected, the intense heat can cause the materials to break down and release asbestos fibers into the air. The risk of asbestos exposure during wildfires depends on various factors, including the proximity of asbestos-containing materials to the fire, intensity, duration, and weather conditions such as wind direction.
These fibers can be carried by the smoke and dispersed over a wide area, potentially exposing people in the vicinity to the health hazards associated with asbestos, like mesothelioma.
To help spread the word, The Mesothelioma Center created a Mesothelioma and Wildfires and Asbestos Exposure guide:
https://www.asbestos.com/asbestos/natural-disasters/#what-to-do-during-wildfires
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/
https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/
From: www.asbestos.com