TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Fire Department is taking steps towards limiting firefighters' exposure to cancer-causing substances.
TFD will soon be receiving 32 post fire on-scene decontamination kits that will help mitigate firefighters' exposure to products of combustion.
The kits were awarded through a $1 million grant to the Firefighter Cancer Mitigation Grant Program.
CFO Jimmy Patronis says firefighters have a nearly 15 percent higher risk of dying from cancer.
"The longevity and the fact that we deal with 70 percent of line of duty deaths now being cancer-related, you know we want our firefighters and family members and heroes in the community to be able to enjoy retirement, enjoy their families and be around for a while," said Sarah Cooksey, TFD Spokeswoman.
The kits will include tools needed for the firefighters to effectively clean gear after a fire such as a 5-gallon bucket and a leak proof lid, as well as duct tape and dermal wipes.
