The Seattle P-I did a good story today on the effect of a poison known as “PBDE’s” on our health and the environment. The Washington State Council Of Firefighters and the Washington Association of Fire Chiefs are supporting banning these toxins because they are concerned about what they are breathing in while they are fighting fires.
From the P-I story today:
“When the alarms sound and lights flash at Seattle’s Fire Station 10, firefighter Scott Marcus wrestles into more than 55 pounds of gear. He pulls on heavy pants, boots, a jacket and hat. When his ladder truck pulls up to a blazing building, he dons thick gloves and a mask that covers his eyes, nose and mouth and connects to an air tank.
While the gear protects his skin from burning and lungs from searing, he’s still exposed to the smoke and toxic chemicals created in the fire when he’s on the scene and not wearing his mask. He can smell the smoke and contaminants in his clothes — even his moustache — for hours or days after a big blaze.
‘Your gear is saturated with the stuff,’ Marcus said.
That has led two prominent state firefighting organizations — the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters and the Washington Fire Chiefs — to support the ban. ”
So, who besides the chemical industry would oppose making it safer for firefighters? You guessed it. State Senator Janea Holmquist (R-Moses Lake).
The vote on the bill in the State Legislature could come at anytime. Call your legislators and tell them to vote Yes on EHSB 1024 at 1-800-562-6000. So far, every Central Washington legislator is on the record opposing this bill!