Foundation Seeks to Cleanse Hidden Danger to Los Angeles Firefighters

LOS ANGELES - The risk to firefighters doesn't end when flames are extinguished say experts, who have shown that contaminated protective gear can harm firefighters long after the alarm bell rings.

Reports from NIOSH, the University of Cincinnati and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, show firefighters are more likely to develop multiple types of deadly cancers compared to the general population. One of the reasons is the constant exposure and re-exposure to unclean protective or "turnout" gear.

In an effort to lessen the risk and prevent illness, the non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is leading a community based effort to place special washer-extractors in every City of Los Angeles fire station.

KTLA-TV's Gayle Anderson explains...

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Contaminants common to firefighting and emergency medical services not only put firefighters at increased health risk, but can lessen the protective performance of expensive turnout and other gear. As more particles and chemicals remain on clothing, the gear gradually loses its effectiveness because it reflects less radiant heat, becomes more flammable and can even conduct electricity.

Soiled turnout gear demands special cleaning procedures that cannot be conducted at commercial cleaners or in a home laundry. Removing contaminants and preventing fabric damage requires the use of professionally designed washer-extractors, that can clean turnout apparel without damaging the gear’s protective integrity.

There are presently only 30 washer-extractors in service among LAFD's 106 neighborhood fire stations, forcing as many as 150 firefighters to travel across the City to share a single machine.

Knowing that safety and efficiency go hand in hand, the non-profit Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation has stepped forward to garner community support in purchasing at least one washer-extractor for every fire station in Los Angeles. You can support the project in ways large and small by calling (855) 9-LAFIRE or visiting:

SupportLAFD.org

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The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is the major source of private support for the LAFD. Their mission is to create partnerships to provide resources, programs and equipment that assist firefighters and paramedics in protecting life, property and the environment. Learn the many ways you can help today at SupportLAFD.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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