EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE

Activities: NIOSH Funded Research Grants

Hazardous Substance Training for Emergency Responders

The IAFF proposes to implement a nationwide hazardous substance training program for firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders employed in 26,354 fire departments across the United States (National Fire Protection Association [NFPA], U.S. Fire Department Profile Through 2000, December 2001).

In the year 2000, 84,500 firefighters were injured while on duty, 12,006 from exposure to toxic fire products and another 2,113 from exposure to chemicals or radiation (NFPA, U.S. Firefighter Injuries of 2000, 2001). It is important to note these data only encompass injuries reported to the NFPA in 2000. In the course of their work, thousands more first responders are exposed to toxic materials that potentially increase their long-term risk for certain types of cancer, heart-lung damage, leukemia, and other diseases.

Project contact: Eric Lamar
International Association of Fire Fighters
(202) 824-1555
Project period: Continuing