United Kingdom
In a report released Nov. 23, the Times highlighted concerns from scientists calling for urgent action to protect firefighters from cancer after research found they were four times more likely to have the disease than the general population. A story on the same topic, in the same newspaper on February 25, 2018, raised concerns that firefighters "are three times more likely to die from cancer" than the general population. However you cut these numbers, they are terrifying news for the nation's firefighters.
According to the more recent report, The Times, “A survey of approximately 10,000 firefighters in their forties and fifties found that 4.1 percent were diagnosed with cancer, compared with less than 1 percent of the general population. A study of fire stations and training centers found evidence of cancer-causing chemicals from equipment fires, including mask filters for breathing apparatus.
“The researchers behind the study, commissioned by the Fire Brigade Union, have called for measures to reduce the risk. They said personal protective equipment should be decontaminated after each incident to avoid the build-up of toxic materials. "
In a timely response to the problem, Electrolux Professional emphasizes the importance of thorough and effective cleaning to reduce the build-up of harmful and potentially carcinogenic toxins on a firefighter's uniform.
Because firefighters are at greater risk of developing cancer and dying from cancer than the general population (1), their uniforms are specifically designed to trap harmful volatile organic compounds (VOC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the layers of tissue. This helps keep toxins away from the skin, but it does mean that a thorough cleaning of the clothes is required to maximize these benefits, explained Elecrolux.
Electrolux Professional conducted laboratory tests that meet Oeko-Tex, EU and German GS Mark standards and found that the Premium Barrier Washer solution offered significantly better protection than standard washing.
Mick Christian, Electrolux Professional's Regional Training and Development Manager, commented, “When we started working on the Healthy Firefighters program six years ago, we wanted to develop a solution that would address some of the lesser-known risks associated with fire fighting. The results are promising: Our barrier washing systems reduce contamination in uniforms much more than with normal washing. "
The safety-critical role of the fire brigade uniform means that the maintenance regulations must be strict and tailored to the special requirements of the profession. Cleansing is an integral part of it, and every possible step to reduce exposure to harmful toxins should be a top priority. Christian concluded, “The best way to do this is to pass the uniforms through a heavy duty locking disc after each use. This will ensure that uniforms – a key component in the health and safety of firefighters – continue to perform as they should. "
(1) Daniels RD, Kubale TL, Yiin JH et al., "Mortality and Cancer Incidence in a Pooled Cohort of US Firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia (1950–2009)," Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2014; 71: 388-397. As in "Results of a Cancer Study in US Firefighters" (National Institute for Safety and Health at Work, 2017) (https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2017/05/10/ff -Cancer -Facts /)
See also http://www.laundryandcleaningnews.com/features/featureeffective-maintenance-of-firefighters-uniforms-6736467/ and
http://www.laundryandcleaningnews.com/features/featureprotection-through-decontamination-6241957/
