There a number of steps that can be taken locally to reduce the rate of respiratory disorders.
a) An Effective Health and Safety Program – Declining lung function may be detected with periodic and baseline pulmonary function testing (PFTs). This testing allows documentation for treatment and future claims, and ammunition if corrective action needs to be taken. However, pulmonary function testing is only a record of damage which has already occurred. Preventing pulmonary damage is the key.
b) Training – It is important that every member of the fire service has an understanding of the respiratory risks of the fire environment, a goal which can only be accomplished through repeated training. People tend to follow rules and regulations more faithfully if they understand why they are adopted and how these procedures will conserve their health.
c) Use Respiratory Protective Equipment – Scientific studies show that SCBA equipment is effective in minimizing respiratory exposure to toxicants, carcinogens, gases and particulate during firefighting activity.
However, compliance may often be less than adequate. You can’t control what is generated by the fire, but you can control what you breathe. SCBA use is now universally accepted during the knock-down phase, but not during overhaul. Yet, during the overhaul phase many toxic constituents and particulates (such as asbestos) remain in the air, and a fire fighter’s risk of lung damage is still high. The IAFF strongly supports the use of SCBA’s during all phases of fire suppression.
d) Don’t Smoke – Smoking is strongly associated with chronic, irreversible, debilitating diseases including emphysema, heart disease and lung cancer. Encourage non-smokers not to start and those who smoke to quit. Smoking cessation programs are available through your local union representative and are endorsed by the IAFF. These cessation services are offered at a reduced rate and have been proven effective in helping those who want to quit achieve their goal.