Mesothelioma Alert: Asbestos-laced smoke a concern after fire in Portland, Oregon

In Portland, Oregon, a recent fire that consumed a historic church in the southwest portion of the city has generated asbestos-laced smoke that could prove hazardous to human health. The church had been converted into a bookstore a few years ago, and the books that stocked the shelves of the store only provided fuel for the intense three-alarm fire. The inferno reportedly released unknown amounts of asbestos-filled smoke, according to Portland Fire & Rescue.

Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, as well as lung scarring and asbestosis. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and while there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemo, there is no known cure. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers, such as those released during a fire, can prove lethal in some cases. To date, no further information about asbestos released during the fire has been made public. However, a four-unit condominium complex next door was evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Fire & Rescue spokesperson Dave Centers explained the lay of the land that surrounded the church-turned-bookshop: "It’s a real old structure and we couldn’t get into it…[it was located in] pretty tight quarters in an old part of Portland, so we have a lot of close-in houses and other buildings around it…That smoke just laid down right on top of firefighters…it was just blinding and choking."

Many locals are sad to see the building go. "It’s just a heartbreaking loss that this building is going away," said local Steve Leflar.