I was a full time municipal firefighter/Paramedic & Engineer ~
What I believe was the biggest threat to people in our dept., was our engines & ambulance did not vent exhaust to the outside so when they were starting the rigs, black diesel exhaust permeated indoors and upstairs into our day room & bunk room!!
Wasn’t until after 1998 that OSHA required contained exhaust, be captured into lines that vented outside.
Two co-workers had cancer already & 1 died, very young.
I have some lung damage probably from Fire contents, fuel exhaust, firefighter foam AFFF,
and they are watching something they saw on a CT.
Also had other med issues that are common among firefighters ~
The BEST way to protect future FF, is to have a chief that understands science & the need to keep your SCBA air tank on during overhaul, b/c after fire gases are deadly! My supervisor used to poke fun at ppl who kept their tanks on after the fire was extinguished !!!