VIDEO: A statewide effort to protect Arizona firefighters from one of their deadliest threats — cancer — is launching with a focus on reducing exposure to toxic chemicals encountered on the job.
The 100 Club of Arizona on Wednesday rolled out a campaign aimed at equipping fire departments with decontamination devices that allow firefighters to quickly rinse off carcinogens after battling fires. Cancer is the leading line-of-duty threat to firefighters, and in Arizona alone, dozens are currently battling occupational cancer. The campaign is designed to help stop that trend one firetruck at a time.
“Everything nowadays is made of hydrocarbons and laminates, and there is no there are no natural fibers being used in construction anymore,” said Capt. Sasha Weller of the Scottsdale Fire Department.
Inside burning buildings, modern materials release toxic chemicals that cling to turnout gear, exposing firefighters long after the flames are extinguished.
