Perceptions of Cancer Risk and Gear Decontamination Among Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Firefighters: Insights from a Mixed Methods Study.

Abstract

The aims of the study are to characterize Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) firefighters' perceptions of occupational exposure, health impacts, and decontamination practices and describe barriers to effective gear cleaning. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed, collecting and analyzing quantitative survey data ( n = 81) and qualitative focus group data ( n = 52) from ARFF firefighters at three Florida airports. ARFF firefighters expressed concerns about chronic exposure to hazardous materials and perceived a heightened cancer risk. Despite acknowledging the importance of gear decontamination, they reported infrequent cleaning behaviors due to persistent contamination and barriers, including lack of a second set of gear. Firefighters' perceived norms emerged as the primary predictor of gear-cleaning behavior. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to address the unique challenges faced by ARFF firefighters in reducing occupational exposure risks and improving gear decontamination practices.