Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
Published on: July 12, 2024
Perceptions of Cancer Risk and Gear Decontamination Among Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Firefighters: Insights
Barbara Millet1, Erin N Kobetz, Natasha Schaefer Solle
1From the Department of Interactive Media, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (B.M.), Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (E.N.K., N.S., A.J.C.-M.), Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (E.N.K., N.S.), and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (E.N.K., N.S., A.J.C.-M.).
Objectives:
The aims of the study are to characterize Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) firefighters' perceptions of occupational exposure, health impacts, and decontamination practices and describe barriers to effective gear cleaning.
Methods:
A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed, collecting and analyzing quantitative survey data ( n = 81) and qualitative focus group data ( n = 52) from ARFF firefighters at three Florida airports.
Results:
ARFF firefighters expressed concerns about chronic exposure to hazardous materials and perceived a heightened cancer risk. Despite acknowledging the importance of gear decontamination, they reported infrequent cleaning behaviors due to persistent contamination and barriers, including lack of a second set of gear. Firefighters' perceived norms emerged as the primary predictor of gear-cleaning behavior.
Conclusions:
Targeted interventions and policies are needed to address the unique challenges faced by ARFF firefighters in reducing occupational exposure risks and improving gear decontamination practices.
More Related Videos
10:10Assessment of the Acute Inhalation Toxicity of Airborne Particles by Exposing Cultivated Human Lung Cells at the Air-Liquid Interface
Published on: February 23, 2020
09:33Visualizing Field Data Collection Procedures of Exposure and Biomarker Assessments for the Household Air Pollution Intervention Network Trial in India
Published on: December 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
Relative Risk
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
The Availability Heuristic