The National Fire Protection Association recently noted, “Firefighting is a dangerous profession, and a growing body of research and data shows the contributions that job-related exposures have in chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.”1
Firefighters routinely face emissions from the combustion of fuels, structural materials and building contents which create a “toxic brew” of gases, vapors and particulates. When these emissions are allowed to enter the body via inhalation, ingestion or dermal exposure pathways, they may trigger serious acute and chronic illnesses. Techniques for minimizing firefighter exposure to harmful substances have been shown to be effective historically in the hazmat industry and are increasingly being applied to the fire service today.
In its ongoing effort to safeguard our nation’s firefighters, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Fire Safety Research Institute have collaborated to create a free, online course titled, “Contamination Control Strategies for the Fire Service.” The interactive and graphic-rich education experience delivers updated information on firefighter cancer risk, exposure pathways and practical controls that can reduce exposures before, during and after fire ground operations. The course also discusses the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFR), a free health tracking registry available to all firefighters. Much like the 9/11 World Trade Center Health registry, the NFR seeks to better understand the health threats firefighters face. (Note: The NFR was taken offline earlier this year due to NIOSH reductions-in-force; however, the program was recently restored in part due to recognition of its important occupational health mission.)
The course runs 43-minutes (at normal speed) and provides a certificate upon completion.
Click here to access the program