In recent studies, it has been concluded that people who risk their lives with firefighting are prone to suffer from numerous fatal and chronic disorders, including the life-threatening diseases like cancer. In fact, it is now the biggest reason for the death of firefighters’ in the USA. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of getting cancer than the general public and a 14% higher chance of dying from cancer.

Reasons for High Risk of Cancer for Firefighters

Many people believe that it is their increased exposure to fire and smoke toxins along with other hazardous toxins they continually come into contact with that adversely affects their health. Many diseases are caused by the toxins and chemicals, known as contaminants. These contaminants are released as a by-product from unburned combustibles in smoke, exhaust (benzene) from the fire engines and off gasing through other hazardous toxins such as oxidized stainless steel (hexavalent chromium), lead oxide (from carpet burning) and many others. Once they enter the human body, it can result in numerous fatal and chronic diseases, with firefighter cancer being a major one.

How Contaminants Enter the Human Body?

There are several ways through which contaminants can enter a firefighter’s body. Firstly, if they are in direct contact with the hazardous material, it can enter their body through their skin. This is called primary contamination.

Other ways through which a firefighter becomes contaminated are termed as secondary contamination. It occurs when a firefighter uses a contaminated equipment or gets in contacted with an already contaminated person. Furthermore, if they are working in a contaminated environment, there are chances of hazardous material entering their body and the results over time and prolonged exposure could prove to be fatal for a firefighter. Cancer and numerous other chronic and acute diseases we are unfortunately seeing to be more common throughout the fire service.

Common Types of Cancer a Firefighter can Suffer From

Studies show that firefighters are prone to suffer from different types of cancers. Some common types of cancers include acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, brain cancer, kidney cancers, and esophagus cancer. Furthermore, testis, tongue, and bladder cancer types are also common with firefighters.

Firefighter Cancer Prevention Solution

There are numerous techniques and practices that can be followed as part of firefighter cancer prevention solution. Most important of them is firefighter personal decon. It is a process in which a firefighter is completely decontaminated using different methods. Furthermore, the equipment, tools, and gear used by firefighters are also contaminated. In addition to that, the place i.e. station where they are cleaned is also contaminated and must be thoroughly decontaminated in order to ensure no traces of any chemical or toxin is left behind.

There are different decontamination methods followed across the globe. The effectiveness of each method varies. Furthermore, each method also comes with its own limitations. If none of the methods works, the equipment is disposed of to minimize the risks.

For the purpose of decontamination, numerous cleaning products and supplies are used. For the maximum efficiency of decontamination methods, it is recommended to use Hygenall’s full-spectrum decon products.

A factor that sets Hygenall products apart from other decon products is their efficiency. Some chemicals and toxins including heavy metals are strong resistance against other decon products; however, this isn’t the case with Hygenall’s full-spectrum decon products. Hygenall has patented technology licensed and improved upon from the CDC and NIOSH. Hence, you can trust Hygenall for premium quality products that results in maximum cleaning and decon efficiency.