Fire is not the only hazard firefighters face every day, there are occupationally exposed to combustion byproducts while operating on a fire ground. All fire incidents produce smoke and toxins that can have a both short term and long-term health effects on firefighters so much so that statistics show nearly 75 percent of firefighter line of duty deaths are due to cancer.

To put things in perspective, 40 percent of the general population will be diagnosed with some form of cancer, 9 percent of firefighters have a higher risk of being diagnosed with it and 14 percent have a higher mortality rate than the general population. The Chatham County Fire Department recognizes the significance and impact of these statistics and they have taken steps to mitigate the risks on the fire ground. Earlier this month, they have issued every member of the department a second set of turnout gear. This eliminates risk of toxins firefighters are exposed to by having an alternate set. Soot toxins that linger on gear from call to call and now they able to reduce that risk. It is the first step in risk reduction the department is taking. The harsh reality of this, that two-thirds of the firefighters battling fires today will be battling cancer tomorrow. This investment will pay dividends to all the personnel and help reduce their risks of cancer for those on the front lines.