“Reflecting on my own career, I cringe at the memory of thinking that a dirty helmet and structural firefighting gear was a badge of honor. I was wrong, and I wish I had known better.”
The above statement rings so many bells, that the mere thought brings back the smokey smell and the residue from the by-products of combustion on one’s hands. Today it is recognized that the gear itself can be a possible hazard and is a reminder of the need to make sure our healthcare providers are aware of the occupational hazards of our job and the possible effects on our health both during our career and after.
If you are not familiar with the new known hazard turn-out gear presents, below is a link to an article on the subject of PFAS, or the ‘forever chemicals’. Please take the time to ensure your healthcare provider is aware of what your past exposure could mean to your health.
“In today’s firefighting world, it’s no longer a surprise that our structural firefighting gear contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These substances are virtually unavoidable; they pervade our environment, appearing everywhere we turn in both our personal and work environments. However, as firefighters, we face a unique and heightened risk from these” chemicals.
Stop Wearing Your Gear: A Call for Change in Firefighting Practices – PPE (fireengineering.com)