NORWICH – According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month and learning more about firefighter's cancer risk is important to know and what can be done to reduce the risk.
Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer when compared to the general population.
The City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino said much of the increase is due to the by-products which are present during a fire from all the plastics and synthetic materials present in most homes and businesses today. 
As a result, he said firefighters are exposed to soot and particulate  matter,  comprised of  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds and acidic gases and can also be exposed to other cancer-causing agents such as asbestos and diesel exhaust.
Papelino said, "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and wearing it when required and properly, is a key step in reducing the potential exposure to carcinogens."
He said Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), the airpacks firefighters wear, are key to assuring firefighters do not inhale the by-products and particulate matter from the combustion process of the plastics and synthetic products in residences and businesses.
"Utilization of gross decon kits for firefighter PPE at the scene of fires and then washing their gear at the station in our gear extractor and then drying it in our dryer are also key requirements," said Papelino.
He explained an exhaust fume extraction system which is connected to most apparatus through flexible self-detaching hoses in the station for the trucks and ambulances removes most of the diesel exhaust and does not allow build up in the building.
"We have policies in place regarding PPE staying out of living quarters in the fire station, personal vehicles and our homes," he added. "Personal cleaning and showering as soon as possible after a fire is imperative with continued education to all members of the risks associated with the job and the types of contaminants we are exposed to everyday."
Papelino suggests firefighters should monitor their bodies for changes as well as have blood work done to inspect any significant changes and if a firefighter notes a prolonged change in their health, something more than a normal illness, they should see their doctor to have it checked.
"Early detection is key in any illness," he said.
Technology and improvements in firefighter PPE are ongoing. Assuring  interior personnel are outfitted with those improvements is key. 
According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) they  recommend ten years is the maximum life for one's interior firefighting gear. Also, assuring the gear is kept in good repair with holes and tears fixed is key.
Papelino said early detection of fires is key to saving both lives and property along with sufficient working smoke detectors properly placed and helps fires stay smaller and reduces exposure for both victims and firefighters.
"Lastly, the days of macho  firefighters  with soot all over their face and the dirtiest turn-out gear as a trophy and never cleaned, are no longer," said Papelino.  "This type of practice has been proven to be a contributor to  increased  cancer rates."