PRESS RELEASE
CINCINNATI — February is National Cancer Prevention Month—a critical time to focus on reducing occupational exposures that contribute to elevated cancer risk among firefighters. While fireground dangers receive significant attention, a less visible but equally serious threat exists inside the station itself: diesel exhaust exposure from apparatus operations.
Firefighters face significantly higher cancer rates than the general population, with research documenting increased risk of lung cancer, skin cancer, lymphoma, and other malignancies. What many don’t realize is that cancer-causing exposures don’t end when firefighters return to the station. A NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation of three fire stations found measurable diesel exhaust particulate (elemental carbon) in living areas, sleeping quarters, and office spaces—demonstrating that diesel emissions migrate beyond apparatus bays into spaces where firefighters spend the majority of their shifts.
The lesser-known risk: Lingering diesel exhaust in living quarters
The NIOSH study (HHE Report No. 2015-0159-3265) revealed that even in fire stations with modern engines using ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and equipped with diesel particulate filter and regeneration systems, elemental carbon was detected throughout the facility. Station 10, which had a back-in only design with a permanent back wall, showed particularly elevated concentrations in the apparatus bay, with levels reaching 13 micrograms per cubic meter near the back wall—though still below California’s recommended occupational exposure limit of 20 micrograms per cubic meter.
The danger is compounded by frequency. The NIOSH evaluation noted that “although exposures were low in all the stations, efforts to further reduce exposures are appropriate because of the potential health risks from exposures to diesel exhaust.” This finding underscores a critical point: even low-level exposures warrant action, particularly given the cumulative nature of carcinogen exposure over a firefighter’s career. Each time the apparatus starts up, backs into bays, or idles during routine equipment checks, exhaust is released into the station environment.
Without proper source-capture systems and consistent use, cancer-causing particulates can settle on surfaces, equipment, and even turnout gear stored near exhaust pipes.
MagneGrip’s Complete Clean Air Solutions
MagneGrip addresses this risk by focusing on source capture—removing diesel exhaust directly at the tailpipe before it can spread through the station. When used with MagneGrip’s PRO Nozzle and compatible hose systems, exhaust is captured at the source with a 100% seal, helping prevent cancer-causing particles and toxic gases from entering apparatus bays, living areas, and workspaces. To further support indoor air quality, MagneGrip also offers AirHAWK Air Purification Systems designed to help reduce airborne contaminants that may remain beyond apparatus operations.
Supporting Fire Departments Beyond Equipment
MagneGrip has installed tens of thousands of exhaust removal systems in firehouses nationwide and remains committed to helping departments take proactive steps toward cancer prevention. In addition to equipment solutions, MagneGrip offers free grant assistance to fire and EMS departments pursuing funding for exhaust removal and air purification systems. Support includes access to grant research, application guidance, needs assessments, engineering specifications, and budgetary quotes. Optional discounted professional grant writing assistance is also available through FireGrantsHelp.com.
About MagneGrip
Founded in 1975, MagneGrip manufactures air purification systems, custom exhaust removal, and source-capture solutions for firehouses and vehicle maintenance facilities. MagneGrip’s commitment to firefighter health has led to the development of trusted exhaust removal systems and AirHAWK air purification technology used by fire departments across the United States.
For more information about MagneGrip products or free grant assistance, visit https://www.magnegrip.com/free-grant-assistance or call 1-800-875-5440.