The phrase "Stop, Drop, and Roll" is something most of us learn as kids, but firefighters don’t have the option of following that advice when battling a fire. As a child, I never really considered the harmful effects of smoke on the human body—only how it impacts the ozone layer. According to research from the U.S. Forest Service, firefighters are exposed to particulate matter (PM4) during their work. The study reveals that firefighters working 49 days a year are exposed to PM4 levels ranging from 0.15 mg to 0.74 mg throughout a 5- to 25-year career. It’s astonishing to think that firefighters knowingly choose a profession that exposes them to such risks, especially considering the long-term health consequences, such as brain cancer. Furthermore, it’s important to think about the potential impact this exposure may have on their families and future generations.
My apologies, but for a firefighter to repeatedly risk their own life, while also putting the lives of those around them in danger, there should be significant compensation and better support to raise awareness about the risks associated with this profession. Additionally, there needs to be more emphasis on providing resources for their health and well-being, considering the long-term effects of their exposure to hazardous conditions; causing early stages of dementia, potentially harming unborn children, and risking their lives for others.
I have always heard about the dangers of secondhand smoke and how it can be just as dangerous as being exposed firsthand, but for some reason I had never considered that someone could be exposed to secondhand smoke by being around their firefighter spouse. It is intriguing how dangerously potent smoke can be and how detrimental exposure can be to everyone, especially unborn children. I think that the various effects of chemicals in smoke to the human body and to human development is something that should get more attention as it is something that so many people are continuously affected by.
ReplyDeleteI like how this puts an emphasis on the long-term health risks that firfighters face for doing their job because they aren't talked about enough. Everyone sees them as heroes but don't see the other side that comes along with the job. The fact that PM4 exposure can lead to brain cancer and even dementia is terrifying, not to mention the ripple effects on their families. The secondhand smoke risks for pregnant partners are something I never even considered before. I completely agree that there needs to be better compensation, health support, and awareness for firefighters. They put everything on the line for us, and the least we can do is ensure they’re cared for in return.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with you. Firefighters put so much as risk and don't seem to be rewarded enough. I have always heard stories of firefights ending up with all different health concerns some life threating that came to be from years of fire control. I didn't even think about how it could possibly affect their family members by secondhand smoke etc. More compensation and awareness needs to be given to these firefighters because they do so much more and risk so much more then most realize.
ReplyDeleteFirefighters consistently endure intense work conditions (obviously) and even more severe inhalation consequences. Such frequent exposure to dramatic environments should see them heavily compensated and their work is not recognized nearly enough. I personally have a close friend who's fiance developed lymphoma at the age of 26 and had been in the firefighter world for almost a decade. His work compensation is so much less than many other dangerous professions, and with his diagnosis being likely work related, it becomes even more frustrating knowing their work is not recognized. The constant exposure to smoke and secondhand smoke for pregnant women should be taken even more seriously knowing the risks it poses to the unborn child and again, compensated fairer.
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