Episode 042 - Decon Challenge

Studies have shown that inhalation or absorption of carcinogens is how firefighters are most likely exposed to cancer risk.  Exposure can come from direct contact with the skin to dirty gear - including gear removal - or indirect contact by off-gassing. While there is a wider awareness of the danger that dirty gear represents to firefighters, it is still the prevailing cultural and work norms that more often determine when firefighters don their gear and how that gear is maintained.  Peer pressure and organizational imperatives will override safety culture in many instances. In today’s episode, I will discuss what the research shows about carcinogens and what we can do about it, make the case for a change in mindset regarding the “badge of honor” mentality, and provide some strategies to help lower the risk of cancer from needless continued exposure. Visit our show sponsor link: https://smokealarms.ul.org/  __  Click HERE to get your FREE COPY of the 12 Days of Leadership Challenge that I mention in the episode!  Click HERE to visit the website and learn more about me and the IGNITEd movement. Join the brotherhood of firefighters and EMS professionals who want to civilize their minds, and make savage their bodies by joining the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast Community on Facebook.  This is where you can connect with me and other firefighters all over the world!  We can share our experiences and gain insight from each other as we deal with the struggles that we may be facing. Connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!  __ “Firefighter Decon Challenges?  Try A Communication Intervention.”   “Firefighter Decon Challenges: Knowledge vs Practice”  “Clean Gear is the New Badge of Honor”  Videos mentioned:  The Invisible Danger of Bunker Gear Transfer  Clean Gear As the New Badge of Honor  Studies mentioned:  1 Harrison, T.R., Wendorf Muhamad, J. Yang, F., Morgan, S.E., & Talavera, E., Caban-Martinez, A., & Kobetz, N. (2018). Firefighter attitudes, norms, beliefs, barriers, and behaviors toward post-fire decontamination processes in an era of increased cancer risk. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 15(4), 279-284. DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1416389  2 Harrison, T., Yang, F., Anderson, D., Morgan, S. Muhamad, J., Talavera, E., Solle, N., Lee, D., Caban-Martinez, A., Kobetz, E. (2017). Resilience, culture change, and cancer risk reduction in a fire rescue organization: clean gear as the new badge of honor. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management: Vol 25 (30), 171-181.