Firefighters face significant risks today, not only during response but after the call as well.
After leaving a fire, personnel, clothing, and equipment are contaminated with cancer-causing particulate soot and some items will continue to off-gas VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can be inhaled for up to 45 minutes. In addition, medical responses and close quarters in apparatus, increase the chance for exposure to a range of bacterial and viral threats.