How Clean is Clean: 

 

While general PPE cleaning procedures have evolved as best practices, scientifically established methods for removing toxic chemicals, biological pathogens and other hazardous substances from PPE is lacking. “Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter PPE” (a three-year study due in late 2018) works to identify the contaminants found on PPE and the disinfection/saniti- zation procedures required to remove them.

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Contamination Control and Beyond: 

 

It’s quickly becoming rec- ognized that contaminants found on fire fighter PPE are also present far from the fire ground: on hand tools, fire hose, apparatus, stations, and beyond - sometimes even into private vehicles and the homes of fire fighters. The “Campaign for Fire Service Contamination Control” (a one year- study due in late 2017) aims to educate the fire service about the health and safety risks of contaminant exposure in all these locations, and to provide steps for controlling contaminants’ spread. 

 

Long-term Cancer Study: 

 

Medical doctors and others don’t fully understand which exposures are responsible for cancer in fire fight- ers, the mechanisms by which exposures cause cancer, nor the most effective means of reducing exposures. The “Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study” is a long-term (30-year) information collection effort led by the University of Arizona to fully address these questions.