The leading cause of death for firefighters isn’t smoke inhalation, burns, or being crushed by burning timbers. Instead, it’s the “occupational risk” these heroes incur, a risk that is directly related to the tools they are provided to do their job.
It turns out that their firefighting gear, in addition to the foam used to extinguish fires, contains a group of very harmful chemicals — specifically PFAs (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
As a result, firefighters are more at risk for testicular cancer, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, and lymphoma.
>>Read More: Occupational cancer now leading cause of death for fire fighters