Firefighting is a noble and essential profession, yet it comes with significant health risks that are often overlooked. Firefighters in the United States face a notably higher risk of cancer compared to the general population. They are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer and 14% more likely to die from it. According to the American Cancer Society, firefighters have a 58% higher likelihood of succumbing to skin cancer and 40% higher likelihood of dying from kidney cancer than non-firefighters. These statistics clearly highlight the severe toll that this profession can take on firefighters’ health.
From 2002 to 2019, cancer accounted for 66% of all firefighter line-of-duty deaths, making it the leading cause of fatalities in the field. In 2023, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) reported that 72% of their members’ line-of-duty deaths were linked to occupational cancer. This growing concern underscores the urgent need for comprehensive firefighter decontamination protocols to mitigate these risks and protect the health of those who risk their lives to keep our communities safe.
While many of the risks that firefighters face cannot be entirely avoided, proper decontamination of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical measure in reducing the exposure to carcinogens and other harmful substances that firefighters encounter during their duties. After each call, PPE—such as turnout gear, gloves, and helmets—becomes contaminated with toxic substances like soot, carcinogenic particles, and hazardous chemicals. If not properly cleaned, these contaminants pose long-term health risks to the wearer.
Firefighter PPE Decontamination Protocols
Firefighters’ personal protective equipment (PPE) often comes into direct contact with hazardous materials such as high temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and smoke. Regularly cleaning PPE according to regulations has long been a part of firefighters’ jobs. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851, “Standard for the Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Clothing,” provides guidance. The process primarily covers on-site cleanup, transportation, professional cleaning, and regular inspections.
On-Site Cleanup
The first stage of PPE decontamination begins on the scene of the fire. Immediate action to remove visible contaminants from the gear can significantly reduce the long-term exposure to harmful substances. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1851 Standard for the Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles recommends the following:
Pre-Cleaning: Firefighters should use brushes, damp cloths, or waterless cleaners to remove soot, ash, and visible contaminants from their PPE before returning to the station. This reduces the amount of hazardous materials that could remain on the equipment and ensures contaminants don’t spread to other surfaces, such as fire trucks or crew members’ personal items.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Firefighters should avoid contaminating other items by carefully sealing PPE in bags or containers to isolate it from the rest of their gear, vehicles, and personal belongings. Ensuring PPE is stored properly during transit minimizes the risk of spreading toxic particles within the fire station.
2. Transport to the Fire Station
Once the initial cleaning is completed, PPE should be carefully transported to the fire station. According to the CDC, firefighters should wear protective gloves and respiratory protection when handling contaminated gear to prevent direct exposure to carcinogens and other toxic substances. The PPE should be placed in sealed containers to prevent contamination of other equipment, personnel, or areas within the station.
3. Professional Cleaning
After reaching the station, the next step is a thorough decontamination process. This involves several key steps:
Washing the PPE: Firefighting gear, including turnout coats, helmets, gloves, and boots, should be washed as soon as possible. NFPA 1851 stresses that PPE should be cleaned in specialized washing machines that are designed specifically for fire gear. These machines typically feature high temperatures, large water volumes, and specific detergent cycles to break down contaminants and remove hazardous chemicals effectively. Fire departments should also follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to avoid damaging the protective materials.
Use of Specific Detergents: The use of specially formulated detergents is critical in effectively removing toxic chemicals, including carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde, which can adhere to the gear after a fire. These detergents are designed to safely clean PPE without compromising its integrity. Firefighters should avoid using standard laundry detergents, as they may not fully break down hazardous residues and could leave harmful residues behind.
Drying: Proper drying is essential. NFPA 1851 guidelines recommend that PPE be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low heat setting. Extreme heat should be avoided, as it can damage the fibers in the fabric, compromising the protective qualities of the gear. Fire departments should invest in industrial drying equipment designed for fire gear to ensure effective and safe drying.
4. Regular Inspections
Once PPE is cleaned and dried, it must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure that it is still functioning properly and free of defects. NFPA 1851 outlines a comprehensive inspection checklist, including:
Inspecting for Fabric Damage: Any holes, tears, or burns in the material should be repaired or the gear replaced. Damage to the outer shell or liner can significantly compromise its ability to protect the firefighter from heat and toxic substances.
Ensuring Reflective Visibility: PPE should be inspected to ensure that reflective strips are intact and fully functional. This is crucial for visibility in low-light conditions, particularly during emergency situations.
Checking Fastening Mechanisms: Zippers, Velcro, and other closures should be tested to ensure they are functioning properly. If any components are faulty, they should be repaired or replaced.
If any defects are found, the gear should be sent for repair or replaced entirely. Firefighting gear is only effective if it remains in good condition; defective or worn PPE poses significant risks to the firefighter’s safety.
Special Reminders for Firefighter PPE Decontamination
While the standard decontamination process for firefighter PPE is well-established, there are several critical points that are often overlooked but are essential for ensuring the health and safety of firefighters. Below are key reminders that require extra attention during the decontamination process:
1. Timely Cleaning Is Crucial
Firefighter PPE should be cleaned immediately after exposure to contaminants. Delaying the cleaning process allows harmful substances to bond more strongly to the fabric, making them harder to remove. Carcinogens like benzene and PAHs found in smoke become more dangerous the longer they remain on gear. Timely cleaning reduces long-term health risks and ensures quicker recovery from each fire incident.
2. Proper Handling and Storage Matters
Contaminated PPE should always be stored in sealed bags or containers to prevent cross-contamination with other equipment and areas within the station. Improper storage can allow harmful particles to spread, putting personnel at risk. Using specialized storage bags ensures contaminants are kept isolated, protecting other gear and individuals in the fire station.
3. Use the Right Detergents
Standard detergents are ineffective at removing toxic chemicals from firefighting gear. Use detergents specifically formulated for fire PPE to break down harmful residues without damaging the material. Brands like PBI and Fire-Dex offer products designed for this purpose. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to maintain gear integrity and avoid leaving harmful residues behind.
4. Inspect Thoroughly for Residual Contaminants
Even after cleaning, there may be hidden contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye. Areas like cuffs, zippers, and inner linings often accumulate harmful particles. Using UV light or specialized testing tools to check for residual contaminants ensures the gear is thoroughly cleaned, reducing the risk of exposure to hidden toxins.
5. Don’t Forget Regular Inspections and Repairs
Regular inspections are critical to ensure PPE remains effective. Look for damage such as rips, tears, or worn reflective strips. Additionally, check closures, zippers, and thermal barriers for functionality. Damaged gear should be repaired or replaced promptly to maintain its protective capabilities and keep firefighters safe.
Proper decontamination of firefighter PPE is essential for minimizing health risks and ensuring the longevity of protective gear. By following these best practices, fire departments can better protect their personnel and enhance safety in the field.
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