(Waupun) Waupun Fire Department Chief B.J. DeMaa says fire and smoke are not the only things firefighters have to worry about when they enter a burning building.
He says synthetic materials used for construction and furnishings these days can produce toxic smoke, which has contributed to the rise in cancer rates they have seen in firefighters. He says those in the field of firefighting are still trying to grasp how big a number they are talking about. DeMaa notes that anytime a firefighter has to put on SCBA or self-contained breathing apparatus gear they wash that equipment thoroughly after the fire. Once a year they also bring in a company they professionally cleans, sanitizes, and disinfects seats in their fire truck.
DeMaa says open concept construction and lightweight construction materials have also made fires more dangerous.
