The firemen’s fight against cancer – with the help of the washing machine

Firefighters belong to an occupational group that has a significantly increased risk of suffering from cancer.
In Strängnäs, firefighters have taken action against this – with the help of the washing machine.
– We must protect ourselves both during and after the accident. This work is largely about being more aware of the after-worksays firefighter Tomas Tunfjord in Efter fems Sverigesvepet.

Two years ago, the WHO classified the firefighting profession as carcinogenic and placed firefighters in the same category that shows the link between cancer and tobacco.

SVT Sörmland was the first to report on the “Healthy firefighters” concept in Strängnäs that will change this. There, it has been established that the preventive measures were non-existent for a long time.

– We take it very seriously today, this is our workplace and working environment. We want it to be as healthy as possible for us when we are. Especially when we are on alert where we are exposed to dangerous substances. There we want to limit it so it doesn’t get into our lungs and bodies, says Tomas Tunfjord.

This reduces the risks

Now the clothes are washed immediately after an operation to reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous substances. It is about simple methods to reduce exposure to dangerous substances. You change clothes at the rescue site, encapsulate used equipment and then wash it at the station, so as not to take the substances home with you.

– It is when we have a smoke dive that we are most aware of risk. We have a lot of protective equipment, but the smoke and the harmful substances settle on our clothes and materials.