GLADSTONE, MI-- The Gladstone Volunteer Fire Department has acquired a piece of equipment aimed at reducing health risks associated with the job.
Through various grants and donations the department secured funds to buy a personal protective equipment washer/extractor, designed to wash and decontaminate fire gear.
According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer, and a 14 percent greater risk of dying from cancer. The most common cancers are associated with the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and the kidneys.
Officials say the routine washing and cleaning of firefighter gear will reduce overall exposure to carcinogens associated with those cancers, thereby reducing cancer risk.
