Smoke and Particulate Resistant Structural Turnout Ensemble Fact Sheet and Video

Chronic exposures to toxic combustion products and particulate matter found in the fireground environment are believed to contribute significantly to the higher cancer occurrences in firefighters. When used during fire suppression and overhaul stages, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) protects the highly susceptible respiratory tract from toxic combustion products in smoke and soot. However, firefighters are still exposed to hazardous vapors and particulates when smoke penetrates interfaces in the turnout ensemble and deposits on the skin.