Firefighters have a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general public, according to data from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. In 2016, 70% of firefighter line-of-duty deaths were due to cancer.

These harrowing statistics are part of the reason firefighter Bob Timmel, started Disaster Relief, a business in disaster cleanup that emphasizes chemical testing before workers step foot on site.

“What we've noticed was the firemen were getting cancers, not because they're inside fighting the fire, but because they're fully protected with the SCBA air pack and turnout gear,” Timmel said. “It's when they were coming out, pulling everything off, then going back into the house.”

He said he would respond to fires where survivors would ask for help boarding up and recovering. Firefighters do not perform that type of follow-up work, so he started Disaster Relief and obtained a license through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Part of his process involves air quality testing where bad air samples are sent to a lab to be broken down further, so responders know what chemicals and gases are lurking in the building. He also swabs surfaces.

Tim Graves, fire protection specialist at the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, said these tests may only reveal the tip of the iceberg, and firefighters should always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE).

“So we don't suggest using air monitoring to clear environments after a fire,” said Graves. “Firefighters need to be wearing a complete personal protective SCBA breathing apparatus through all stages of fire, including overhaul.”

It is also up to firefighters to make sure they take the extra steps to decontaminate themselves and their gear to prevent breathing in carcinogens and possibly exposing loved ones.

One 2023 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information recommends immediately using decon wipes or, even better, fully washing themselves and their PPE with soap and water.

What doesn’t get washed should be sealed in plastic bags until they can decon later.