Which of the following contaminants can get on firefighting PPE?

Firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect firefighters from various hazards, but it can come into contact with numerous contaminants during the course of their duties. The correct choice highlights two significant categories of hazardous materials: carcinogens and hydrocarbons.

Carcinogens are substances that are known to cause cancer and can be found in the smoke produced by burning materials, especially in structure fires and hazardous material incidents. These substances can adhere to firefighting gear, posing long-term health risks to firefighters who may not only be exposed during the incident but also carry these contaminants away from the scene.

Hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds made primarily of hydrogen and carbon, are prevalent in various fire scenarios, especially those involving petroleum products. These can also adhere to PPE, contributing to contamination.

While smoke and water, dust and debris, as well as paint and oil can certainly interact with firefighting PPE, they do not carry the same level of long-term health risks associated with exposure to carcinogens and hydrocarbons. Therefore, the choice of carcinogens and hydrocarbons as contaminants highlights the critical attention needed for firefighters' health and safety, emphasizing the importance of decontamination practices after an incident.