FIREFIGHTER RISK
- The World Health Organization has designated the occupation of firefighting as a KNOWN CARCINOGEN
Soot may sit on the skin for up to 2 hours after exposure
- The higher the body temperature, the more permeable the skin
- Firefighters are at higher risk of certain cancers than the general population
- Firefighters are developing more aggressive forms of cancer at a younger age
68% of Line of Duty Deaths are from cancer
REDUCE THE RISK
- Conduct “Preliminary Exposure Reduction” on-scene
- Use wipes to remove soot from the skin immediately
- Bag dirty turnout gear and tools
Shower within the hour
- Clean turnout gear, equipment, and tools after every exposure to products of combustion
Document exposures at fire calls
Reduce your risk to cancers caused by exposure to the chemicals in soot.
The smart way to cleanup after a fire.
