Some Orlando firefighters were exposed to high levels of cancer-causing asbestos, according to a report.
Environmental Protection officials started investigating in February and said they found 27 pieces of equipment had high levels of asbestos contamination.
They tested 93 pieces of gear, including clothing.
A report shows some firefighters may have been exposed to 72 times the unacceptable amount of asbestos.
“There is obvious concern after looking at it,” said Wayne Bernoska, vice president of local firefighters’ union 1365.
He said the union will be following up with the firefighters’ health and safety board along with a physician.
“To understand how that will affect the members’ health that is going to be out number one concern,” said Bernoska.
The report found gear that was not exposed to the asbestos came back positive.
The city is working to decontaminate the gear used by the firefighters.