VIDEO/PHOTOS: Cobb County firefighters have a new device to keep them safe. Fire officials say the StormStick will not only help them now, but possibly for the rest of their lives.
When firefighters respond to calls, they're not just battling the smoke and flames. "The amount of carcinogens that are in smoke – whether it be a residential or commercial fire – the numbers are through the roof now as opposed to what they were 30, 40 or 50 years ago before everything was made of plastic. Now, couches, carpet, furniture that's all pressboard, all of that is made out of plastics and when plastics burn, it releases hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and a host of other chemicals we don't necessarily see," said Cobb County Fire Capt. Ben Holley.
Fire officials say it's enough to cause long term health problems.