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Abstract

Firefighting is a complex and inherently dangerous profession. Firefighters today face a growing array of occupational hazards, not just from the effects of being exposed to fire and smoke, but also from the personal protective gear they wear, commonly referred to as “bunker” or “turnout” gear. While this gear is designed to protect firefighters in dangerous environments, prolonged use and repeated exposure to smoke, chemicals, and products of combustion can compromise the gear. Research has shown that bunker gear contains and can also retain cancer-causing chemicals. To this end, this paper examines whether the availability of an additional set of bunker gear can improve firefighter health, safety, and operational readiness. The paper begins by covering the purpose, components, NFPA requirements, and associated costs of the gear. It then moves to an examination of the proper selection and cleaning of bunker gear, the standard operating procedures for maintenance and selection, the types of chemicals and carcinogens present in firefighter gear, and the different types of cancer and leading causes of death among firefighters. The paper also shows the cost associated with providing a second set of bunker gear and explores the cost associated with the treatment of cancer. These findings show that the availability of an additional set of bunker gear can positively impact firefighter health, safety, and operational readiness and can reduce healthcare costs associated with the long-term effects of cancer.

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