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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
By: Mike Duyck, President As we approach 2025, the fire service is on the brink of a significant evolution in firefighter safety and operational excellence: the anticipated introduction of NFPA 1850, a groundbreaking standard poised to reshape how we approach the care and maintenance of firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). This new standard consolidates and builds upon its predecessors to address …
By: Emergency Technical Decon Team When firefighters return from an incident, their turnout gear is often saturated with harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens picked up while combating fires. Washing turnout gear is critical for firefighters’ safety and health, but it raises an important question: where do those contaminants go? When contaminated water from washing turnout gear enters municipal sewer systems, …
PPEclean@etdecon.com
(458) 201 - 8282
