Did you know cancer kills more firefighters than any other disease or accident faced on the job? These findings come from a recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH studied 30,000 firefighters from three large cities and found them to have a higher rate of cancer in many types of cancers as well as all cancers combined. These studies are not just the
findings of NIOSH but of many smaller studies as well. Theories exist to what may be causing this but many studies have found links to the toxins firefighters face daily from residential and commercial fires. As if that were not bad enough more recent studies coming from the UK show there may be a link to some of the components in turnout gear and cancer. So basically what is designed to protect firefighters could very well be what is contributing to the increase in cancer cases. It is widely recognized now that 68% OF FIREFIGHTERS WILL SUFFER FROM CANCER IN THEIR CARREER.
Many departments have taken steps to curb these statistics. Programs such as hood swap and secondary turnout gear show great promise. Some departments have even gone as far as to issue wipes to use on the scene to remove some harmful toxins. It is important to know Ember Suds IS NOT meant to replace these wipes, yet it is to use in conjunction with. Wipes remove debris and toxins from the skin on the scene but aren't able to pe*****te the pours like soap is. Our hope is with wipes being used on the scene and ember suds in the shower firefighters are able to remove most of these harmful toxins.
This is a team effort, we have to all do our part from the top down. It is time for Chiefs to implement protocols and SOP's in each department nation-wide. In the stations it is the firefighters responsibility to clean gear and tools that may contain these toxins.