Blog
December 4, 2024
By: ETD 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, the consequences can ripple far beyond the fire station.
The Hidden Costs of Toxic Runoff
1. Strain on Municipal Water Systems
Municipal water treatment facilities are designed to handle standard household wastewater, not complex chemicals found in turnout gear runoff. Contaminants can include:
- Flame retardants persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in living organisms.
- Heavy metals like lead and cadmium, are highly toxic even at low concentrations.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic and harmful to aquatic life.
The cost to filter out these chemicals is substantial. Cities may be forced to invest in advanced filtration systems to address this growing problem, a burden that often falls on residents. Even then, many systems cannot remove all contaminants, allowing harmful substances to enter rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
2. Environmental Impact
Once contaminants pass through municipal water systems, they often flow into natural bodies of water, threatening ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Aquatic Life: Toxic chemicals can disrupt reproductive systems, damage gills, and accumulate in fish and other aquatic species, eventually making their way into the food chain.
- Soil Contamination: Runoff that leaches into soil can poison plant life and reduce the quality of farmland.
These environmental effects are long-lasting, as many chemicals do not break down easily and can remain active in ecosystems for decades.
3. Public Health Risks
Communities located near municipal water discharge points or agricultural areas irrigated with contaminated water face serious health risks:
- Carcinogens in Drinking Water: Toxic runoff can contaminate local groundwater, increasing the likelihood of carcinogens entering drinking water supplies.
- Respiratory and Skin Conditions: Exposure to heavy metals and other chemicals can lead to chronic health conditions for people bathing in or consuming contaminated water.
- Health Disparities: Lower-income and underserved communities, which are often situated near industrial areas or water treatment plants, face a disproportionate burden of exposure to contaminated water.
These risks translate into increased healthcare costs, reduced quality of life, and long-term consequences for public health.
Protecting the Environment and Public Health
Investing in Dedicated Decontamination Systems
Fire departments can reduce their impact by installing dedicated decontamination systems that filter water before it reaches city sewer systems. These systems can capture and neutralize harmful substances, protecting municipal water facilities and surrounding ecosystems. In addition, systems like waterless CO2 cleaning technology are closed-loop, with all contaminates captured for safe disposal.
Advanced Water Filtration Technology
In addition to specialized washers, fire departments can implement closed-loop water filtration systems, which treat and recycle water used in decontamination. While these systems may require an upfront investment, they significantly reduce ongoing environmental and financial costs.
Collaboration with Local Governments
Fire departments and municipalities must work together to create policies that address toxic runoff. Funding programs or subsidies for fire departments to adopt sustainable practices can alleviate costs and improve compliance.
Education and Training
Training firefighters and station staff on how to properly wash and decontaminate gear can prevent unnecessary exposure to toxins and reduce the volume of contaminants entering wastewater systems.
At Emergency Technical Decon, we’re committed to helping firefighters stay safe while minimizing environmental impact. ETD’s Liquid CO2+ system operates with a closed-loop that recaptures and reuses 99% of the CO2, releasing no contaminants into water systems. By safely storing washing residues within the machine, ETD provides a responsible cleaning solution that minimizes environmental impact. By raising awareness and providing innovative resources, we empower fire departments to adopt safer, more sustainable decontamination practices. Reach out today to request service or inquire about leasing or purchasing a CO2+ machine for your agency.
