Study: Health Risk to Firefighters Greatest After Flames Extinguished

At the time when firefighters need protective breathing equipment most, they are least likely to be using it, increasing the risk of heart disease, according to a study by the University of Cincinnati.Researchers say exposure to "ultrafine" air particles could predispose firefighters to heart disease. At least 40 states have laws that presume heart disease and some forms of cancer are work-related, according to the study authors.The study suggested the concentration of these ultrafine particles is highest after the flames have been knocked down. Protective breathing equipment is required when ...