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CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Minneapolis fire stations install saunas to help crews clear out smoke, toxins
There's no doubt firefighting is a dangerous job, but some of the biggest risks aren't just the flames. It's what lingers afterwards. It's why Minneapolis Fire Departments have been installing saunas at their stations. Steve Shapira is the founder of the Minneapolis Fire Foundation, an organization that supports the health and safety of Minneapolis Fire Fighters. "One of the things we're trying to do is help firefighters have a post fire place to go and get some of these toxins away from their body," said Shapira. "What we're really trying to do is stop the absorption of the soot and smoke that is on the surface of their skin, before it can get into their fat, get into their bloodstream, and get into their organs." For him, the mission is personal. After 17 years as a St. Paul fire captain, Shapira was forced to retire after developing blood cancer, likely caused by exposure to toxins. "It's kind of become my mission since I got sick 10-plus years ago to help keep firefighters healthy and so this is just one more tool in our tool box to kind of have firefighters go down that road of a long, safe, healthy career," Shapria said. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service. in 2023, 72% of firefighter deaths were from cancer. So far, five fire stations in Minneapolis have the saunas. The goal is to equip the remaining 14 and the training station. CJ Schertner is a captain with the Minneapolis Fire Department. He says the saunas are doing what a shower can't. "You're showering, you're scrubbing, you still come out of that shower smelling like smoke," Schertner said. The saunas are benefiting in other ways as well. "It's also been a nice thing for people to use just for their mental health. It's a good thing to help rejuvinate you a little bit," said Schertner. Research is still underway on just how effective post-fire saunas are for removing carcinogens, but for firefighters, it's one more defense in a job full of hidden risks.
CBS News
03-08-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Aurora Fire Rescue fights back against cancer risks with new screenings, turnout gear
Firefighters in Colorado face a lot of dangers that put them at risk of injury or illness, but one of the more prevalent problems can come from their own gear. Now, Aurora Fire Rescue is taking steps to make sure its crews stay safe while saving others. Firefighters have some of the highest risks for job-related cancer. According to the CDC, they are 9% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than the average American because of the chemicals that can be released in fires and the chemicals used to protect them from those fires. "The problem with this inner shell is it contains PFAS, and PFAS contributes to firefighter cancer," said Aurora Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Hunter Hackbarth. PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, but they're also known as "forever chemicals." They don't break down into the environment readily and include dozens of substances known to cause a variety of health problems. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, 72% of their members' line-of-duty deaths in 2023 were due to occupational cancer. "We have had two retirees that have passed from cancer. We have other retirees that are managing some cancer issues right now," said Hackbarth. That's why Aurora Fire Rescue is investing in programs to keep its men and women safe. First, they are starting lifespan cancer screenings for their firefighters through a federal government grant, and they are getting new gear free from cancer-causing PFAS. "Which is a single-layer gear, protective outer shell that we wear for medical calls, car accidents, auto extrication, wildland fire and general use compared to our structure, firefighting gear," said Hackbarth. The idea is that since the majority of calls they respond to are not structure fires, they can wear the light gear that doesn't expose them to PFAS like their bunker gear does. They will still have to use and carry their bunker gear, but will use it less often. It's an idea that is a big hit around the firehouse. "They're a lot lighter. They're a lot easier to walk around and breathe," said firefighter Patrick Slama. "In the summer, it will be nice," said firefighter Seidel.
