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Fire dept. changes how PPE is stored to eliminate cancer threat

Officials are also working on purchasing a set of back up gear for each firefighter, along with an extra protective hood

CBS Miami

MIAMI — It’s a tough anniversary for a family to mark. It’s two years since the passing of Miami-Dade Fire Captain Rafael Herrero. His journey and battle with cancer, lymphoma, the first in a series of cases that triggered a CBS4 investigation, The Silent Killer.

“The rate of cancer we are seeing in our fire department is huge and that made us start looking at what could it be,” says Captain Shane Anderson.

Researchers said firefighters across South Florida are in a battle against cancer, including alarming numbers of thyroid, colon and brain cancer. Now all eyes are turning to the firefighters’ personal protective gear. In the spotlight is how to improve it, clean it and store it.

Full story: Silent Killer: Spotlight On Firefighter Gear Amid Health Concerns