b'Common Carcinogens in House Fires and why following industry best practicesis important to your health and safetylBenzene: Highly toxic compound releasedincreasing their cumulative exposure. Despite during combustion of plastics, rubber andthe use of personal protective equipment (PPE), petroleum-based products. Linked to variousit is not entirely foolproof as small gaps or tears cancers. Fire apparatus exhaust a common sourcecan still allow harmful substances to come of exposure for fire fighters. into contact with the skin or be inhaled. Thus, ensuring proper fit of PPE is crucial to accurately lFormaldehyde: Colorless gas used in buildingsafeguard fire fighters from potential exposures.materials, released during fires. Prolonged exposure linked to nasal and lung cancers. OSBFire fighters face an increased risk of developing boards in training burns are a frequent source various cancers due to exposure to carcinogens, of exposure. including lung, skin, brain, kidney, bladder and blood cancers. The effects may not appear lPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs):immediately, but can take years or decades to Chemicals produced during incompletedevelop. Given the repeated exposure, potency combustion of organic materials. Potentof carcinogens, and inherent risks, fire fighters carcinogen associated with various cancers,must take preventive measures. This includes including lung, skin and bladder cancer. proper decontamination procedures and regular lAsbestos: Present in older homes, released intohealth screenings. Ongoing research continues air when ignited. Inhalation causes lung cancer,to develop better protective measures for fire mesothelioma and respiratory diseases. Frequentfighters. It is crucial for fire fighters and fire exposure during overhaul stages of building fires. service leadership to document exposures accurately to show the cumulative impact over lCarbon monoxide: Deadly gas produced duringtheir careers.fires. High exposure levels in burning buildings can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, leading toThe Comparative Toxicogenomics Database neurological damage, heart problems and death.(CTD) is a publicly available database that Continuous monitoring crucial during firefightingfocuses on the molecular interactions between overhaul stage. chemicals, genes, and diseases. Fire fighters face a heightened risk fromMore information can be found on their carcinogens for several reasons. They often work website at ctdbase.org.in enclosed spaces with concentrated smoke and toxins, leading to higher levels of exposure. Additionally, they encounter these cancer-causing agents repeatedly throughout their careers, 15'