While we shouldn't be surprised as Firefighters and we should, at this stage of the game, understand that nearly EVERYTHING in today's structures off-gases toxins when burning, our friends in communist China bring us "just one more thing" to be concerned about. Chinese drywall, used in about 100,000 or more homes in numerous states may be the culprit in causing sickness and illness to those around it. So naturally, when some of "our friends" and the homebuilders associations build these homes, it gives us, as Firefighters "just one more thing to be concerned about".
Now while there is little we can immediately do to stop the drywall problem (google: Chinese drywall, the CPSC and others are on this issue) and it appears that some homebuilder associations continue to get very angry at the very thought of sprinkler-ing their match stick personal lumber yard dwellings, we can do something about the potentially cancer causing off-gassing issues from drywall and most other stuff at fires:
=Don't breathe that crap. Ever.
=No Exposed Skin. None.
=Get the soot off of you and your PPE as soon as you get back to quarters. Always.
=Don't allow that crap on your skin-as your skin will absorb that crap. Everytime.
Cancer is a disease that is of particular concern for members of the fire service. A number of previous studies have identified several cancers for which fire fighters are at increased risk.
More resources and information on protecting ourselves here:
Fraternally,
Bill Lounsbury
Local 801, Health & Safety Committee Chairman
