Firefighters in Colorado face a lot of dangers that put them at risk of injury or illness, but one of the more prevalent problems can come from their own gear. Now, Aurora Fire Rescue is taking steps to make sure its crews stay safe while saving others.
Firefighters have some of the highest risks for job-related cancer. According to the CDC, they are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the average American because of the chemicals that can be released in fires and the chemicals used to protect them from those fires.
“The problem with this inner shell is it contains PFAS, and PFAS contributes to firefighter cancer,” said Aurora Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Hunter Hackbarth. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, but they’re also known as “forever chemicals.” They don’t break down into the environment readily and include dozens of substances known to cause a variety of health problems.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, 72% of their members’ line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to occupational cancer…