According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters are 14% more likely to die from cancer than the average person.
To combat this, the state of Michigan now intends to give nearly $15 million in grants to 187 fire departments across the state so that fire departments will be able to buy a second set of turnout gear for full-time firefighters.
Modern homes are now built with more synthetic and plastic materials, which release more carcinogens into the air when they burn. They then seep into their turnout gear, which, if not washed or taken off, can seep into the bloodstreams of firefighters, causing health issues.
The new turnout gear would enable firefighters to switch to clean gear after returning from a call.
For the full story, head on over to WOOD TV.