2022 FDSOA Health and Safety Conference

For decades, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has been working to reduce firefighter occupational exposure to fireground contaminants. This presentation examines the studies and scientific research that have led to many of the best practices of contamination reduction in the FDNY and elsewhere. Highlighted are the FDNY’s most recent aggressive implementations.
Cancer has been recognized as one of the most dangerous threats to firefighters. The toxins and carcinogens firefighters are exposed to on the scene and through residual effects of firefighting are better understood now than ever before. This retrospective and prospective look at the FDNY and best practices provides examples and simple steps attendees can take today to better protect against and reduce firefighters’ exposure to fireground contamination.