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What Are the Dangers of Contaminated Bunker Gear?

A firefighter's bunker gear represents his best defense against the dangers of his job, from fire and falling debris to hazardous materials. If this protective gear becomes contaminated with a chemical or biological hazard and is not properly cleaned or replaced, it could pose serious health risks to the firefighter.

  1. Bunker Gear

    • The protective gear a firefighter wears, when responding to typical calls for service, is commonly referred to as bunker gear, turnout gear or personal protective apparel. This is the iconic boots, pants with suspenders, overcoat and helmet worn when firefighters are called into action. In special circumstances firefighters may wear specialized clothing and respirators when facing a known chemical or biohazard. Bunker gear can become soiled with dirt, carbon soot and other materials. These materials, along with the clothing fibers, can trap dangerous substances on the gear. Keeping bunker gear clean helps reduce the amount of potential contamination.

    Contaminants

    • Fires can generate airborne hazardous materials when plastic or other chemicals are exposed to fire or extreme heat. Plastics, pesticides, oils, man-made fibers, heavy metals and other substances can be present in a fire and release a host of toxic chemicals. Bunker gear can also become contaminated with bodily fluids, such as blood, when dealing with injured fire or accident victims.

    Hazards

    • Some contaminants are known cancer-causing agents while others can pose risks, ranging from respiratory ailments, such as emphysema, to burns and rashes to the skin. Some of the more common chemicals are dioxins and chlorine. Dioxins are known carcinogens as is formaldehyde that can be present when Styrofoam burns. Other contaminants, such as pesticides, release neurotoxins and other chemicals when they burn; posing a danger of damage to the reproductive and nervous systems. Bodily fluids pose the risk of transmitting a number of communicable diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.

    Proper Decontamination

    • To mitigate the danger posed by contaminated bunker gear, it is critical to properly clean the gear on a regular basis. This is especially true when the gear has been exposed to known hazardous substances following an emergency response. Carefully follow your department's guidelines for cleaning or replacing bunker gear that has been exposed to potential contamination.

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