Firefighters put their lives on the line to save us and our property. But for fire crews, the danger continues even after the flames are out.
Recent reports indicate that when you compare the general population to firefighters, firefighters face a higher cancer risk. Edward Lipscomb is the fire chief for the Altamahaw Ossipee Volunteer Fire Department. He explained why firemen are fighting higher cancer rates.
"There are cancer-causing materials that are in building materials now, in furniture, in everyday household items," Lipscomb said.
Kyle Cook is the assistant chief for the Altamahaw Ossipee Volunteer Fire Department. He said turnout gear covered in soot is no longer a badge of honor for firemen.
"Dirty gear, I guess it made you look like a better firefighter. It's not that way anymore. It's the cleaner you can be," Cook said.