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Today's fire and explosion investigators work in environments and conditions that are considerably more hazardous than those of 20 years ago.  The widespread use of synthetic building materials and furnishings has greatly increased the amounts and kinds of toxic byproducts of combustion that may result in personal injury, illness, and death.  The safety and health of investigators are often taken for granted since most investigators assume that by the time they arrive at a fire or explosion scene, the potential hazards are either eliminated or diminished to the point that they are no longer a concern.  However, several studies of firefighter occupational safety and health hazards associated with overhaul operations at fire scenes conducted in Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States since the early 1990's have concluded that numerous toxic byproducts of combustion are usually present. Several of these are known or suspected human carcinogens, such as acrolein, acrylonitrile, benzene, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride.   Investigators also face similar risks of exposure to these toxic substances unless proper personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE), including adequate respiratory protection is worn.  In recent years, numerous injuries, illnesses, and deaths associated with the investigation of fires and explosions have been documented.  Many investigators have been diagnosed with disabling and debilitating injuries and chronic illnesses such as various cancers, that surfaced days, months and years after investigations were concluded.  Some occupational physicians believe that these conditions may result directly from fire scene exposures.

The majority of the injuries, illnesses and exposure that pose risk to investigators can be reduced or eliminated through the use of a protective ensemble that consists of turnout gear, helmet, boots, gloves, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection equipment (respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus).
 

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