Studies show firefighters have an increased risk of cancer and now Spokane County firefighters are taking steps to change that.
“We're seeing so many young firefighters at young ages getting struck down with cancer,” explained Tony Nielsen, Spokane County District 8 fire chief. “And it all seems to be coming down to this absorption that we hope we can prevent."
Nielson said cancer has become one of the biggest hazards of being a firefighter.
"We're learning about it all the time, but it seems as though the contaminants are being absorbed through the skin,” he explained. “A lot of that is occurring around the neck, hands and even the groin area.”
Nielsen says firefighters can be exposed to these contaminants at any type of structure fire. In an effort to reduce their exposure, the department is providing a second set of turn out gear for all of their firefighters.