New lifesaving equipment could help protect Titusville firefighters. The fire department recently acquired a Rescue Intellitech Solo Rescue Decon Washer, purchased with a State of Florida grant.
Protecting Firefighters from Cancer
The machine is used to clean first responders’ equipment after a fire. More importantly, it removes dangerous carcinogens and soot from their gear. “Cancer is one of the leading killers of firefighters today,” said Battalion Chief Greg Sutton. “Not just while they’re active and on duty, but we find that a lot of our retirees are doing well to even live past 10 years of retirement. A lot of those fall victim to cancer.”
Even after flames are extinguished, toxic chemicals can remain on firefighters’ coats, pants, helmets and gloves. Without proper cleaning, those contaminants can continue exposing firefighters long after they leave the scene. Sutton said today’s house fires often involve synthetic materials, which can release hazardous chemicals when they burn.
Firefighters face a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Sutton said wearing soot-covered gear was once viewed as a sign of experience. Today, he hopes clean gear becomes the symbol of a firefighter who is better protected from one of the profession’s biggest long-term dangers.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
