The billowing smoke that blackens firefighters’ helmets has always been the most obvious threat to firefighters, possibly affecting their long-term health well after retirement. Cancer from smoke inhalation is now well documented, and firefighters have adjusted with improved equipment, like self-contained breathing apparatuses. “They called them smoke-eaters,” said Lt. Justin Geiss, a third-generation full time firefighter with Chardon. Geiss as been put of charge of changing protocol for the city’s department. “And they’ve come to find out (the danger) is more through absorption through the skin.” Departments like Chardon’s are focused on the new frontier of studies, especially what can...
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