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NEWS: The V Foundation, Emergency Technical Decon, and Emergent Launch “Turnout for Firefighters Cancer Research Fund”

[Cary, NC] – The V Foundation for Cancer Research, in partnership with Emergency Technical Decon (ETD) and Emergent, proudly announce the official launch of the Turnout for Firefighters Cancer Research Fund on January 22, 2025, coinciding with Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative is dedicated to addressing the increased cancer risk firefighters face due to carcinogen exposure in the line of...

Advancing Firefighter Health and Safety: What to Expect in 2025

Mike Duyck on upcoming advancements in PPE, decontamination, and cancer prevention. ...

Protecting Firefighter Health: How Liquid CO2+ Cleaning Outperforms Traditional Methods

Firefighters face hidden health risks from contaminated turnout gear. Learn how Liquid CO2+ cleaning removes PFAS, PAHs, and other carcinogens more effectively than traditional methods....

PFAS in Firefighter Gear: Advancing Safe and Effective Cleaning Solutions

By: Emergency Technical Decon Team The presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in firefighter protective gear has raised significant concerns in recent years. A recent report from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) highlighted the alarming prevalence of PFAS in gloves, hoods, and wildland firefighting gear. These chemicals, used to enhance durability and water resistance, have been...

Reflecting On Progress And The Road Ahead: Insights From Emergency Technical Decon And Emergent

By: Mike Duyck, President, Emergency Technical Decon and David Blankinship, President, Emergent As veterans in the fire service, we’re constantly inspired by the dedication and resilience of firefighters and the communities they serve. This past month has been a significant one for both Emergent and Emergency Technical Decon (ETD) as we continue to drive forward initiatives that protect firefighter health,...

Emergency Technical Decon’s Best Decontamination Practices

By: Emergency Technical Decon Team Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, but their gear often comes back from the field carrying harmful substances that pose long-term health risks. Contaminants like carcinogens, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can embed themselves in turnout gear, putting firefighters at heightened risk for cancer and other health issues. Traditional...

A Game-Changing Partnership: Launching the Turnout for Firefighters Cancer Research Fund

By: Mike Duyck, President Firefighters face dangers far beyond the flames. Every day, they confront an invisible threat: cancer caused by prolonged exposure to toxic carcinogens. This occupational hazard, while widely recognized, remains an ongoing challenge for the fire service. That’s why Emergency Technical Decon is proud to announce our partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Emergent...

New Year, New Gear: Setting the Stage for Firefighter Safety in 2025 

By: Mike Duyck, President  As we welcome 2025, fire service leaders and crews across the country are gearing up for more than just another year of calls and challenges. This year brings updated standards, practices, and expectations that will shape how we protect those who protect us. Let’s dive into what’s ahead and what it means for firefighter turnout gear...

Looking Back: Progress in Firefighter Safety and Decontamination in 2024

By: Hayden Hughes, Senior Sales Manager As we reflect on 2024, it’s evident that this year has been transformative for the fire service. The strides made in addressing emerging hazards, refining decontamination practices, and improving firefighter safety are remarkable. At Emergency Technical Decon, we’re honored to contribute to this progress, particularly in the realm of clean, protective PPE and cutting-edge...

Decon for life: Health Habits for Career Firefighters

By: Mike Duyck, President Firefighting is a demanding profession, requiring physical strength, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment. However, the job also exposes firefighters to unique health risks, from physical injuries to long-term conditions like cancer and mental health challenges. Building lifelong habits for physical and mental health isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about ensuring career longevity and a high quality...

Turnout Gear Temperature Limits And Ratings

By: Rory Noble, Operations Manager Turnout gear is an essential line of defense against extreme heat and hazardous conditions. Designed to protect firefighters from the intense temperatures encountered during fire suppression activities, turnout gear undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. The gear’s three-layer system and heat resistance and performance testing help determine its temperature limits.  Turnout gear...