VIDEO: Firefighters are often exposed to carcinogens on the job, making decontamination measures crucial in preventing occupational cancer.
Washing extractors in fire departments decontaminate their turnout gear after a fire, but the equipment is expensive to purchase and install; there are spatial constraints; and some of the machines vary in capacity and speed.
“Any fire we encounter in town has a high level of carcinogens, anything from soot to the products of combustion that collect in our gear, on ourselves,” Narragansett Fire Marshal Kevin Tuthill explained.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and 14% higher risk of dying from it.
“I think if you asked any firefighter, they would tell you they know someone who has been affected by cancer,” Narragansett Chief Scott Partington said.