Because residue collected on firefighters’ gear during a blaze can cause respiratory disease, cancer and other ailments, it is important not only to wear appropriate protective gear, but also to ensure it’s cleaned properly, according to the BWC.
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“Firefighters are routinely placed in harm’s way while performing their job duties, because they are threatened by both acute injury and long-term health complications,” said Dr. Abe Al-Tarawneh, superintendent of BWC’s division of safety and hygiene, in a statement. “Protecting them from harm keeps them healthy and on the job, and that means our communities are safer, too.”
To date, BWC said it has awarded 496 grants totaling $5.1 million.
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