Firefighters routinely put their lives on the line to protect civilians and their communities. Yet, exposure to a burning blaze comes with a number of life-threatening risks: Along with high temperatures and unstable conditions, carcinogens and other harmful particulates settle on skin and clothes.

In response, personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, including hoods and decontamination supplies, lessens these exposures and potential cancer risks.

Cancer Hazards for Firefighters

Fires in buildings and outdoors release multiple gases and vapors and send particulates into the air. Substances may be related to materials - for example, asbestos used to insulate older buildings - and others are a byproduct of combustion. Gases also linger after a fire is extinguished.

Without adequate PPE and decontamination procedures, firefighting professionals are directly exposed to substances ranging from arsenic, benzene, silica and cadmium to formaldehyde and sulfuric acid. Contact comes from particles and liquids accumulating internally via breathing, as well as on the skin, eyes and clothing.

Considering these factors, decontamination after a fire involves:

• Putting on a hood, SCBA and other protective gear to limit exposure around the neck, face and eyes.
• Thoroughly cleaning all clothing and turnout gear.
• Never reuse dirty turnout gear and respiratory supplies.

PPE and Decon Solutions for Firefighters

Whether for yourself or your team, never skimp on PPE and always head into an emergency with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In addition to approaching the job with the right equipment, firefighter decontamination after a fire needs to entail:

• Thoroughly cleaning all hoods, gloves, boots, helmets, gear and SCBAs to limit exposure to particulates and prevent cross-contamination.
• Based on NFPA 1851 recommendations, having your firefighting gear professionally inspected every six months.
• Decontaminating all trucks, tools and hoses to prevent carcinogens from spreading throughout the fire station.
• Starting decontamination as soon as possible: Wash vehicles, equipment and your gear at the scene, and clean your skin, especially the head, neck, arms and hands, to halt possible absorption.

Order Cancer Prevention and Decon Solutions From Fire Safety USA

Reduce your and your team's exposure to carcinogenic substances with particulate hoods, and further minimize your risk with wipes and decontamination kits. Browse these essentials today through Fire Safety USA before placing an order online, through our call center or via our direct fax line.