Florida Legislature approves bill to protect firefighters from cancer
When firefighters respond to a major blaze, they're putting their lives on the line in more ways than one.
That's because the elements they're up against often include dangerous pollutants, and the end result has been a higher incidence of cancer in firefighters.
In an effort to make the work environment safer for such first responders, the
The Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program "shall provide financial assistance to help fire departments, including volunteer fire departments, procure equipment, supplies and educational training," according to the bill.
The program is a joint effort of Rep.
"These men and women protect us every day and this bill will help protect them from chemicals that cause cancer and other illnesses," Fetterhoff said.
Bean echoed that sentiment.
"Floridians depend on their local firefighters every day to come to their aid at a moment's notice," Bean said. "This bill ensures that we are coming to their aid every day to keep them safe from cancer-causing residue on their equipment."
To fund the program,
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Firefighters face a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths and a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses compared to the general
A multi-year study by the
In 2019, the
"It's going to bring money to a lot of departments that don't have the capability to afford the type of equipment that's going to reduce the exposure to our firefighters," Allen said.
Such equipment includes industrial-grade washers and dryers, which play an important part in keeping firefighters' bunker gear clean. The appliances typically cost between
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