Mt. Dora fighting cancer among firefighters

MOUNT DORA, Florida — Firefighters in this city are getting a new layer of protection against hazardous materials that have become a threat to their lives.

A 2010 study of 30,000 firefighters found a higher rate of certain types of cancer than the general population of the United States and experts believe the source is toxic and hazardous materials they deal with on the job.

The contaminants collect on their equipment.

Firefighters in the study had a greater number of digestive, oral, respiratory, urinary and prostate cancers.

Mount Dora leaders are now buying new bunker gear from Municipal Equipment Company, LLC.

“City leaders take the health of our firefighters very seriously,” said a news release, which did not detail the cost of the new gear.

Their firefighting gear will also be handled differently, with a wash down at the scene and wipes provided so firefighters can clean off potential carcinogens from their bodies.