With recent research identifying the increased risk of cancer amongst firefighters, should all responders consider the potential risk of contamination whilst attending fires?
A landmark study conducted in 2018 by The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) revealed that skin absorption, rather than inhalation is the leading cause of exposure to carcinogenic gases created during a fire and the stark reality is that fire fighters have an increased risk of cancer as a result of exposure to products of carbon combustion such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The report has naturally led to renewed focus on immediate and thorough decontamination of personal protective clothing, equipment and even workspaces such as vehicle cabs and stations which have also found to become contaminated by PAHs; a further finding of the study. With this in mind, should the focus be on fire fighters alone, or should all emergency responders (and non-emergency responders) be aware of the risks of contamination whilst attending operational incidents or the aftermath of fires?
The UCLAN study would suggest that with PAHs being transferred to surfaces on equipment, in vehicles and in buildings, any agency who attend fires must be cognisant of the risk of contamination. This includes anyone who has to enter the affected area to deal with casualties, dampen down or cut away, conduct post fire forensic investigation or to identify structural integrity (where a building is involved); essentially, all stakeholders from local authority agencies, specialists and private contractors. It therefore follows that the ability to safely, quickly and easily remove contaminants on scene is imperative and the challenge is how to make this process immediately available in a practical way.
De-Wipe is scientifically formulated to remove and help remove the risk of carcinogens and bacteria thanks to the added ingredient micellar water, a proactive compound that defends against hydrocarbons such as soot and dirt with ease.
Micellar Water is a great example of nanotechnology at work in a very practical way. Micellar Water is composed of micelles which are tiny balls of cleansing molecules suspended in soft water to create a molecule cluster.
Each end of the molecules is diametrically opposed with one end attracted to water with the other repelling it. In a water solution they group to form a spherical shape with a water loving exterior and water hating interior. As a result of this opposing structure, micelle spheres split when gently applied to the skin forcing them to open against the surface.
Once pressure is relieved the molecular cluster closes trapping anything that isn’t water removing it from the surface of skin. This molecular process dissolves the bond between contaminants and the skin to separate and enable safe removal without spreading it further. The contaminant and water separation can then be achieved without drying out the skin.
The after-fire wipe will help reduce the risk and dirt from the wrist and hands, face, ears, jaw and areas around the neck and throat. Additionally, they can also be used to wipe down any other contaminated areas after an event.
- De-Wipes are available as individual packs in sizes;
- 60cm x 30 cm
- 30cm x 20 cm
And Also available in multi-packs of 40.
- Individual De-Wipe packs fit easily into a pocket
- De-Wipe has a two year shelf life
- De-Wipe is biodegradable
De-Wipes are designed, developed and delivered in the UK and come in a variety of sizes. They are available as individual wipes or multi packs. De-Wipes are biodegradable so you can be clean and green.
For more information, go to www.dewipe.com