![]() ![]() PuraShield was developed by Purafil and uses four separate stages to clean air passing through the system. These include PuraShield®, Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI™), and Photohydroionization® (PHI). Featured Article: How do VOCs, Particulates, and Aerosols Affect the Fire Service? Which Air Decontamination Technology is Right for You?Ĭurrently, there are three technologies working to mitigate airborne contaminants for firefighters and first responders. The virus and bacteria particles become suspended and remain airborne for seconds or hours, sometimes traveling through an area before falling from the air. Viruses and bacteria are often transmitted through aerosols. These are one form of aerosol, while the broader definition includes “ any tiny solid or liquid particle suspended in a gas.” When you think of aerosols you may think of hairspray and spray paints that use a gas to force liquid into the air. Particulates that land on your skin or get inhaled can enter your bloodstream and raise your risk of certain cancers and diseases. Particulates can be made up of hundreds of different chemicals, making them an extremely dangerous element to deal with. ![]() They are small enough to be inhaled into the throat, nose, and lungs. Defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as “a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air,” particulates can be found in soot and smoke. ![]() Particulates are another potentially cancer-causing element prevalent in the fire service. These gases can also cling to your gear or skin and be breathed in over time. Some VOCs are proven to be cancer-causing and can react with other gases to form additional air pollutants. As products like this burn, these VOCs are released into the air. These substances can be found in paint, flooring, adhesives, furniture, wood, gasoline, and many other products. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are gases emitted into the air from a product or process. Featured Article: What You Need to Know About Firefighter Air Contamination What Are VOCs, Particulates, and Aerosols Carrying Viruses and Bacteria?įirefighters and other emergency services workers face three major airborne threats during their work. When you’re in close quarters, such as an apparatus cab or living area, you are at a greater risk of contracting a communicable disease. In addition to VOCs and particulates, aerosols carrying viruses and bacteria can be circulated in the air. Over time, contaminants that landed on your gear are released back into the air where they can remain for extended periods of time. The smell of smoke on your gear, in the cab, and at the station is evidence of off-gassing VOCs, particulates, and soot. Two prominent places you may be exposed to these threats are at the station and in the cab of your emergency response vehicle. This increased exposure puts emergency services workers at a higher risk of developing cancer, infectious diseases, and other health challenges. Firefighters and other emergency services workers may experience an increased exposure to aerosols carrying viruses and bacteria. Firefighters in particular face threats from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates that off-gas from gear and other equipment. How Does Air Contamination Affect Fire and Emergency Services?Ĭontaminants are a big threat to the health and safety of fire and emergency services workers. Here is our guide to understanding air decontamination for emergency services personnel. Understanding the threats you face and the options available for fighting back are key to making a good decision for the future of your crew. population.Įmergency services personnel are also subjected to viruses and bacteria in close quarters and dangerous fumes or toxins on emergency scenes. Air quality is a big topic that is gaining traction as data shows firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. If you’re involved in firefighting or emergency services, you have likely heard people talking about air quality, health threats, and an increased risk of cancer. ![]()
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