Excerpts from Firehouse.com: Currently, a multi-institutional study is taking place at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to better understand the risks firefighters face. Researchers are not only testing for contaminants on their gear but also on their skin. They’re also measuring the gases released when furniture and carpets burn. This comprehensive project involves teams from IFSI, UL, NIOSH, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Skidmore College. The study involved 12 Illinois firefighters who underwent a series of tests before and after simulated fire scenarios. Blood was drawn, vital signs were checked, and urine samples were analyzed for markers of stress and hydration. Each firefighter wore a heart monitor for the next 12 hours to track cardiac activity post-exposure. Dr. Denise Smith, one of the researchers, explained that part of the goal is to assess how firefighting affects the cardiovascular system. “We talk about getting the rig back in service, but we need to know how long it takes for a firefighter to recover,†she said. “We’re looking at changes that happen hours after the incident.†Each year, several firefighters die not on the fireground, but in the hours following an incident. This study aims to uncover why that happens and how to prevent it. To ensure accurate results, all participants wore brand-new gear to avoid contamination. They carried small chemical collection units—about the size of a portable radio—in their coat pockets. These devices were removed and tested after each task. UL and NIOSH engineers set up advanced equipment to monitor gases and heat levels inside the burning rooms. Thermal sensors were placed floor-to-ceiling at intervals of two feet in some areas and just one foot apart in others. This allowed them to track temperature changes in real-time during the simulation. In hallways, sensors captured data at different heights—1, 3, and 5 feet. The lowest level mimicked where a victim might be found, while the higher levels represented where firefighters would crawl or walk during operations. This ongoing research could lead to better protective measures, improved safety protocols, and a deeper understanding of the long-term health risks faced by those who serve on the front lines of emergency response. Fuel Hose,Rubber Fuel Hose,Fuel Oil Hose,High Pressure Fuel Hose Xingtai City Xinyuan Sitong Auto Parts Co.,Ltd. , https://www.xystrubber.com