Even though mesothelioma cancer is a rare cancer, mesothelioma risk for firefighters is twice as much than the general public.

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by a prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Steel yards, ship yards, auto repair shops, old houses, schools and public buildings have the potential to expose people to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Risk for Firefighters

The mesothelioma risk for firefighters is greater because they are apt to be in contact with asbestos when it is released into the air from a burning building.

During the 9/11 attacks, more than 400 tons of asbestos was released into the air from collapsing and damaged buildings. Firefighters and other first responders are most at risk when an asbestos-releasing tragedy occurs.

Approximately 35 million houses built before 1980 likely have asbestos-containing materials because of the natural fire repellant abilities of asbestos.

Among the materials that could contain asbestos are plaster, drywall, siding, vinyl flooring, popcorn ceilings, caulking and more.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma lung cancer is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, called the pleura. Nearly 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases are this type.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent dry cough, persistent chest pain, difficulty swallowing, night sweats/fever and fatigue.

Because these symptoms are common with other diseases, mesothelioma cancer is difficult to diagnose. Xrays, MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, biopsies and blood tests all can assist in the mesothelioma diagnosis.

How Mesothelioma Starts

While asbestos use in the U.S. has dropped in recent decades, the number of people diagnosed with the rare cancer has remained steady at about 3,000 per year.

Asbestos exposure can take from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to start appearing, meaning the mesothelioma risk for firefighters might not be evident until years after the particles have taken hold.

When asbestos materials are disturbed in the renovation of a building, a fire or a demolition, tiny fibers release into the air.

When we inhale or swallow the microscopic fibers, they become embedded inside our bodies. It takes decades, but the trapped fibers can cause inflammation, scarring and genetic changes that sometimes lead to cancer.

In addition to becoming trapped in the linings of the lungs, the fibers also can collect in the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining of the heart. When the fibers cause biological damage, they can manifest as malignant mesothelioma.

Where to Obtain Assistance

The mesothelioma risk for firefighters is well-documented. Mesothelioma specialists can be found in a variety of medical arenas: surgery, radiology, oncology, pathology and palliative care.

Certain treatment centers concentrate on mesothelioma cancer and participate in critical research of asbestos-related diseases.

In addition, participating in a class action lawsuit could help replace lost wages, compensate for pain and suffering, pay for treatment and hospitalization and other illness-related costs.

As of 2011, the Government Accountability Office stated that $36.8 billion remained in asbestos trusts, which was money allocated to compensate victims of asbestos exposure and their families.