By: ETD Team
February marks American Heart Month: a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, especially among those at increased risk. For firefighters, that risk is alarmingly high.
Cardiovascular events remain the leading cause of on-duty deaths in the fire service, accounting for nearly 45% of all firefighter fatalities in the U.S. Factors like intense physical exertion, extreme heat exposure, and chronic stress are well-documented contributors. But there’s another silent threat: the long-term effects of repeated exposure to contaminants that can impact more than just cancer risk; they may also contribute to cardiovascular strain and inflammation.
Decontamination isn’t just about reducing cancer risk. Studies increasingly link certain toxic substances, including particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PFAS chemicals, to systemic inflammation, which plays a major role in heart disease. When firefighters carry those contaminants on their gear, they’re not just bringing them back into the station; they’re introducing potential stressors to their own cardiovascular system.
That’s why at Emergency Technical Decon, we take a whole-health approach to PPE cleaning. Our Liquid CO2+ decontamination systems are designed to go deeper, removing up to 99% of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and more than 84% of PFAS without degrading your gear. It’s not just about NFPA 1851 compliance; it’s about protecting what matters most: your people.
This American Heart Month, we encourage departments to review their cardiac health screening protocols, promote hydration, recovery, and sleep hygiene across all shifts, incorporate routine decontamination into post-fire procedures—not just for cancer prevention, but for overall wellness, and prioritize clean cabs, stations, and personal hygiene to reduce contaminant re-exposure.
When it comes to firefighter health, the heart of the issue is protecting the whole firefighter, from head to toe, call after call. Learn more by contacting us today.
