University of Kentucky
Applications of Basic Chemistry to Everyday Life: Determination of Harmful Organic Contaminants in Turnout Coats of Firefighters
Institution
University of Kentucky
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
David Atwood
Abstract
Firefighting in the modern day world is a complex and dangerous job. The dangers that firefighters face include exposure to chemicals and toxins. The development of an effective self-contained breathing apparatus has minimized the exposure to these toxins through inhalation. Contaminated turnout gear is still a potential hazard. Hazardous chemicals are embedded in the turnout coats and without effective cleaning, these chemicals may stay in the firefighter’s coat or leach out over long periods of time. This project tested a new technology for detecting contaminants in firefighters clothing and discovered that typical cleaning procedures do not remove all of the hazardous materials from the fabric.
Applications of Basic Chemistry to Everyday Life: Determination of Harmful Organic Contaminants in Turnout Coats of Firefighters
Firefighting in the modern day world is a complex and dangerous job. The dangers that firefighters face include exposure to chemicals and toxins. The development of an effective self-contained breathing apparatus has minimized the exposure to these toxins through inhalation. Contaminated turnout gear is still a potential hazard. Hazardous chemicals are embedded in the turnout coats and without effective cleaning, these chemicals may stay in the firefighter’s coat or leach out over long periods of time. This project tested a new technology for detecting contaminants in firefighters clothing and discovered that typical cleaning procedures do not remove all of the hazardous materials from the fabric.