Smoke from any type of fire has never been good for a human, even long before we could actually know what was in it. All it took was a good “snootfull,” and we were coughing, hacking and crying…all at the same time! Today, nearly 20 years after 9|11 and after losing so many brothers and sisters who worked the pile or anywhere near Ground Zero, we now realize that smoke from almost any combustion, isn’t just bad for us – it’s deadly!
Firefighter/Engineer/Paramedic/PIO Brad Bihun, is doing everything he can to warn firefighters in southern California about the dangers of the invisible carcinogens and toxins in the smoke we so often find ourselves immersed in while fighting everything from a dumpster fire to a vehicle fire, to a multi-story structure fire. Brad is also the co-founder of “Stachetober Fest,” a moustache competition for both men and women, where proceeds are dispersed to firefighters in need. And all too often, this fundraiser has helped firefighters in his area that are fighting cancer, or to a family of a firefighter who has paid the ultimate price.
In our podcast, Brad explains some of the toxins with which we come into contact with and what happens to both us and our gear, when we do. Additionally, he explains some of the methodology needed today to avoid both initial contamination and cross-contamination.
FULL DISCLOSURE – Brad Bihun is a part owner of a distribution company for Hygenall Full-Spectrum Firefighter Decon products. However, as a firefighter, his main goal is first and foremost, to educate the fire service so that they can make informed decisions and implement procedures to help mitigate the toxins firefighters face on a daily basis.
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
