Firefighters wear a lot of protective gear, but one of the most important pieces is the hood that goes under their helmet.
For years firefighters have worn thin, single-layer hoods that didn't block soot and smoke from reaching their skin. Scientists say this is contributing to higher rates of cancer among firefighters.
Now, engineers with North Carolina State University's Wilson School of Textiles are working on a solution - a triple-layer model.
"So, instead of just blocking the fire, how do we block the soot and smoke and everything else from getting to their skin?" said Bryan Ormond, an engineering professor.
Since 2016, researchers at NC State have been working under a federal grant on standards for an improved fire hood.
"So we can put this in there and it's going to stop all the particles," Ormond said.
"It actually seals around your neck," said Allen Williford, a Wake County firefighter.