Studies show that firefighters have a significantly increased risk of cancers and other serious illnesses compared to the general population due to their exposure from hazardous chemicals found in smoke, soot and even from their own gear. In fact, on June 30, 2022, the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC) has officially declared firefighting as a cancer-causing profession by moving it from a 'Group 2B - Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans' to a 'Group 1 - Carcinogenic to Humans'. See the Monographs HERE.

The toxins to which firefighters are exposed include:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Heavy metals
• Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and
• Other organic toxins such as benzene

These not only have been proven to cause cancer, but a host of other diseases and DNA mutations.

And it's not just the soot you can see - 97% of the particulates that you are exposed to as a firefighter cannot be seen. That soot you can see represents only 3% of the danger to your body.

The University of Ottawa study quantifying firefighter exposure (2018) showed firefighters had 3-5X more metabolites (byproducts of PAHs) in their urine after a fire on average, with 4 times increase of the potential for DNA mutations. Some had PAH concentrations up to 60x higher after a fire.

As a rule of thumb, if it's on your gear, it's on your skin and can be absorbed. And the more your skin's temperature increases, the more easily those toxins are absorbed into your bloodstream - the rate of dermal absorption increases 400% for every 5-degree increase in body temperature. New research shows toxins can absorb into your skin just minutes after exposure, making quick and proper decon of utmost importance. Like it or not, your skin is in the game.

The term 'Toxic Handoff' means that contamination can occur through surface exposure - you expose others as these toxins are transferred from you, your hair, your clothing, your equipment, your vehicle ... all the way to your home, causing increased risk for yourself and others in your home. A study in Kitsap Washington found children of firefighters more than 27 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer (see our Research page for links to this and other research studies).

This also translates to your gear - even after it's been washed, testing has shown gear remains contaminated. Studies show only 40% of toxins are removed from gear, meaning every time you don your gear, you are exposed to 60% of toxins from the last incident.

Source: Exposure Studies: Initial origins of PAHs and point source contamination  leading to firefighter exposure, Jeramy Baum, Department of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami

From 2015 to 2020, 75% of the names added to the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall died from occupational cancer. 75%. A small few of these will be recognized as official line-of-duty deaths.

Using wipes on scene is a great way for initial, quick personal decon. Wipe effectiveness varies, but are shown they can remove as much as 54% of contaminants from those areas wiped effectively (hot spot areas being the underarms, groin, face, neck and hands).

Your standards should also include washing immediately and thoroughly after an incident with a proven decon soap for maximum risk reduction. 

If you're showering and still smelling "that smell" (you know the one) even after washing, that is an indication of significantly increased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in your body.

That smoky smell = a 46% increase in PAHs

A 2021 study (Hoppe-Jones C, et al. Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2021) found that skin smelling like smoke after having showered after a fire was associated with a 46% increase in urinary PAH metabolites compared to firefighters responding to a fire and their skin not smelling like smoke. 

This means that if you're smelling that smoky smell even after showering, that is significantly associated with a dramatic increase in cancer-causing, DNA-mutating toxins in your body. It means your soap isn't cutting it.

It also takes an incredibly short period of time for carcinogenic PAHs to become detectable in blood after exposure, so washing should occur as soon as possible post-exposure - whether on scene or after handling equipment at the station. Showering as quickly as possible has been proven to remove more toxins, but a more efficacious approach includes washing your hands, and any body part touched or exposed to gear, directly after exposure.  This means having an effective contaminant-removing soap on scene for washing, as well as in the stations for washing after handling contaminated equipment, and showering products for both skin and hair.

Up your decon game with soap and shampoo designed specifically for firefighter decon. If you are still smelling that smoky stench after washing or showering, your soap isn't cutting it. 

SOOTSOAP was designed for firefighter decontamination to remove organic toxins, impurities and chemicals and was lab and field tested with firefighters over the course of 2 years. SOOTSOAP is PROVEN to remove more contaminants than any other personal decon product tested. Our Detoxifying & Deodorizing Hand & Body Soap and Shampoo get rid of THAT smell in ONE WASH, guaranteed, and 88% of the PAHs that cause it.

The 2025 NFPA 1585 Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control officially recognizes the risks of dermal exposure and skin absorption and states the importance of post exposure personal decontamination. Section A.5.2.4. states "Soap and water are best for removing fireground or nonbiological contaminants. It is important to wash for at least 20 seconds with soap".

Now that the Standards are finally catching up to the risk, let's focus on the most effective post incident cleansing.