Excerpts from the iafc.org:
The International Association of Fire Chiefs’ (IAFC) Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have partnered to develop and release the Lavender Ribbon Report: Best Practices for Preventing Firefighter Cancer. This report provides 11 actions that can be taken to mitigate the risk of cancer for firefighters.
Unfortunately, the topic of firefighter cancer has had a significantly increasing impact on firefighter health and welfare. Great strides have been made by departments and responders everywhere in combating and preventing cancer, but more still needs to be done. The time is NOW to make changes.
It is imperative that local leaders take this report to heart and spend the time and energy to make changes to improve the safety and health of firefighters. Too often, we hear about firefighters suffering from and dying of cancer. What if things had been differently and personal protective equipment (PPE) was washed thoroughly and stored it in a better way? There are many relatively cost-effective actions that can be taken to reduce the risk.
This report, released at Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to those that are battling or have lost their battle with cancer.
For additional cancer resources, go to firefightercanceralliance.org.
