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What Happens to Fire Gear After Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls?

Firefighters place their lives at risk each time they answer a fire call. Not only is the fire itself hazardous, but the items burning within the structure can exude harmful chemical gasses and liquids. One particularly dangerous chemical compound, called polychlorinated biphenyls, are common in many items throughout and surrounding a building, from electrical transformers to light fixtures. Firefighters exposed to PCBs need to have their fire gear inspected for contamination.

  1. PCBs Definition

    • PCBs are chlorine-based toxic compounds, commonly in a liquid state. The fluid can be oily and transparent or dark and viscous, depending on the volume of chlorine within a given PCB liquid. PCBs were mainly used for their insulating properties. Large electrical transformers would use PCB liquid for insulating high voltage. Prior to the 1970s, electronic capacitors used PCBs within their structure as insulators. However, most electronics and electrical transformers do not use PCB-type fluid anymore.

    Fire Gear Exposure

    • Each time a firefighter enters a structural fire site, the potential for PCB chemical exposure is high. Older light fixtures, electronics and transformers burning in the fire produce soot. The soot still contains PCBs. The soot adheres to the fire gear, contaminating it. PCBs can also contaminate fire gear in its liquid state, if the item has not burned yet. Accidental PCB spills can splash against fire gear, effectively soaking the fabric with toxins.

    Fire Gear Composition and Treatment

    • Fire gear is typically made of porous fabric. Any exposure to liquid or gas can easily penetrate the fabric, bonding to the fibers and remaining adhered until cleaned. The PCBs can eventually permeate completely through the fabric, exposing the firefighter's skin to its toxins. Fabrics exposed to PCBs require decontamination by a certified industrial hygienist specializing in hazardous wastes. However, the fabric may need disposal if the contamination is extremely widespread throughout the material.

    Fire Gear Testing

    • The fire gear must undergo sample testing if a firefighter is unsure about PCB exposure. A material sample is removed from the fire gear, preferably the dirtiest visible portion. An analysis is made for verifying the contamination's concentration. Afterward, the material undergoes a decontamination process. Another sample is taken from the material after decontamination terminates. This final analysis will verify if the fire gear is free from toxins or still retains the chemicals. Fire gear with no contamination from PCBs can be used again in firefighting service.

    Fire Gear Disposal

    • PCBs that remain in the fabric after decontamination necessitate disposal of the entire piece of gear. The gear must be placed within a sealed polyethylene bag. The bag is placed into a sealed, metal drum for toxic waste. The appropriate local hazardous waste facility should dispose of the drum and contents afterward.

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