Industry Insights: Cancer Prevention Starts with Change

Dec. 1, 2017
Jason Cannon explains four ways Scott Safety is working with the fire service to address the effects of carcinogen exposure.

Editor's note: Industry Insights are sponsored blogs submitted by manufacturers and suppliers serving the fire service industry.

The fire services industry has rapidly evolved over the last 20 years. In that time, we have seen changes in the way fire departments approach their equipment selection process, maintenance process, and training process. Most importantly, however, we have seen a change in mindset when it comes to the health and well-being of firefighters and first responders. Part of this change can be attributed to a shift in demographics within the fire service. A bigger part of this change is the result of more research studies being available on the effects of carcinogen exposure.

With a continuous push for new product innovation, leaders like Scott Safety, now part of 3M, are not only providing the best equipment to protect firefighters and first responders in their daily jobs, but doing our part through product design, messaging, and strategic partnerships to educate and protect the long-term health of firefighters around the world. It is no longer enough to simply build the best equipment. Industry leaders must work directly with firefighters to mitigate the elevated risks they face from exposure to carcinogens. In order to face this issue head on, the fire services industry must be proactive and committed to instituting change. Not only for the firefighters of today, but for the firefighters of tomorrow.

Here’s how:

Change the way we think. As a collective industry, we must remain committed to supporting the extensive cancer research taking place across the country and around the world to better understand the exposure risks faced by firefighters. These risks are not just present during tactical fireground operations, but also during overhaul and rehab. Just as important, however, are the exposure risks faced when not operating on the fireground, including riding in the apparatus with contaminated gear and equipment or storing contaminated gear in fire station living quarters. Changing the way we think when not operating on the fireground can have lasting benefits to the safety and well-being of all those around us.

Change the way we act. We must make a promise to participate directly in the development of best practices to minimize those exposure risks faced by firefighters. Whether that be proper air monitoring procedures, respiratory protection usage during overhaul, gross decon after an incident, routine cleaning procedures, or alternative storage methods of contaminated PPE, we should be committed to supporting the development of new practices, and recognizing and sharing those best practices, no matter where in the world they may originate.

Change the way we advocate. Working with organizations like the First Responder Center for Excellence (a National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation affiliate), the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, and the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance, we must use our knowledge and expertise to promote better awareness across the fire services as to the long-term exposure risks and the best practices to minimize those risks. Awareness is the first step to instituting change.

Change the way we lead. As an industry whole, companies like 3M | Scott Safety should lead the way when it comes to new product development and maintaining consideration for how easy it is to clean and decon personal protective equipment, both on the fireground and at the fire station. We should develop respiratory protective products that will assist in preventing dangerous contaminants from being inhaled during all parts of firefighting – suppression, overhaul, clean up, and investigation. Furthermore, we should invest in the research and development of sensing technologies that deliver awareness not only of immediate threats to a firefighter’s life and health, but also to the long-term threats from the environment surrounding them. Only then will we take the necessary steps to begin to mitigate and prevent the effects of carcinogen exposure on the fireground.

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