由特雷弗·尼尔森
In the fire service, traditions live long and die hard. For years, the fire service has been reluctant to embrace change until the evidence that proves a contrary path is beneficial becomes ingrained into our psyche. One area in which firefighters have been reluctant to modify their approach is that menial but necessary task, overhaul. Because there generally is a lack of heavy smoke and there is no urgency to stop a fast-moving fire during overhaul, firefighters generally remove their personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to accomplish the task more quickly. We are not fully aware of the unannounced hidden dangers lurking in what appears to be clean air; breath-taking chemicals known as asphyxiants; toxins that irritate lung tissue; and allergens, which, as the name implies, can cause allergic reactions to skin and mucous membranes. The most deadly danger firefighters face, however, is the carcinogens, which can cause cancer years after an exposure.
This article was written to make fire service members aware of these threats, especially in the forms of a higher cancer incidence and mortality rate and twice the rate of mesothelioma than is seen in the U.S. general population. Research substantiates these claims and reinforces that we need to better protect ourselves by adopting revolutionary best practices that will change how we perform overhaul.
If you are a current subscriber,login hereto access this content.
If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit ushere.
