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Fire-rescue details cancer-prevention program and move toward PFAS‑free turnout gear
Summary
Fire-rescue leaders described decontamination protocols, hood-exchange and wipe procedures, gear extractors and dryers, ultrasonic mask cleaners, in-station vehicle exhaust capture (grant-funded), annual medical screening and a plan to transition to PFAS-free turnout gear where feasible.
Chief Downs and Jake Orkin presented an overview of the department's cancer-prevention program for firefighters, emphasizing procedural changes, equipment investments and medical screening.
"Firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general US population," Orkin said, citing research he attributed to the CDC and the National Institute. He described on-scene decontamination using exchange hoods and wipes, Scottie-pack equipment for personal-protective-equipment cleaning, gear extractors and dryers, ultrasonic cleaners for masks, and an in-station vehicle exhaust capture system funded by a grant. Orkin explained the objective to move toward fully PFAS-free garments over time but noted cost and breathability trade-offs.
Committee members pressed for expanded medical screening—one member recommended looking beyond PSA blood tests for prostate screening—and staff acknowledged budget implications for buying second sets of gear and replacing PFAS-containing inner shells. The department said it will continue assessing new PFAS-free options and seek funding where possible.
