Recommendations for Reducing Firefighter Potential Chemical Exposures from Contaminated Skin or Personal Protective Equipment
The personal protective equipment (PPE) worn during firefighting activities along with the firefighters’ own skin can become contaminated with various compounds generated by the burning materials. Some of these compounds will off gas from the PPE, which could result in inhalation or dermal exposures to firefighters. In the matter of actual skin contamination, many of these chemicals have the ability to be absorbed directly through the skin. Several studies have been conducted to characterize fire fighters’ exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons both during and after firefighting activities. While one recent study found that measured levels of these chemicals were below occupational exposure limits, every fire response is unique. An additional factor to consider is that many post fire activities are conducted without respiratory protection.
Based on current knowledge, recommendations have been made to reduce firefighters’ potential chemical exposure from contaminated skin or PPE.
To minimize breathing contaminants:
Maintain and test SCBA routinely to ensure its proper function.
Use SCBA from initial attack to finish of overhaul.
Remain upwind of the fire if not directly involved in the response.
Provide as much natural ventilation as feasible to burned structures before starting investigations and when responders are not wearing respiratory protection.
To minimize skin absorption:
Wear long hoods that are unlikely to come untucked during operations. Keep protective ensembles on during overhaul.
Do gross field decontamination of PPE to remove as much soot and particulate as possible.
Use moistened wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, under arms, and hands immediately and while still on the scene.
Wash hands immediately and shower as soon as possible after a fire response.
Launder turnout gear routinely.
Clean your PPE, gloves, hood and helmet immediately after a fire.
To minimize inhalation of chemicals that maybe released from contaminated gear:
Remove SCBA and hood last when removing gear.
Remove gear before entering the rehabilitation area.
Store gear on the outside of the apparatus during the ride back to the station.
Do not take contaminated clothes or PPE home or store them in your vehicle.
Decontaminate fire apparatus interior after fires.