‘It just keeps happening’: Firefighters sound alarm bells on rising cancer rates

(InvestigateTV) — Firefighters put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of people and property.

However, the dangers they face on the job go beyond battling raging fires. Burning materials can unleash a soup of toxic chemicals and heavy metals, such as benzene and formaldehyde.

Even some of the foams firefighters use to put out fires contain PFAS or forever chemicals, which are known to cause cancer and other serious health problems.

These first responders are not only exposed to hazards when fighting a fire, but also afterwards because toxins can cling to their gear.

Reporter Avery Martinez examines this health threat to firefighters and solutions to make their jobs safer.

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