The use of nitrile undergloves under regular firefighters’ gloves as a protective measure against carcinogenic exposure in fires

The use of nitrile undergloves under regular firefighters’ gloves as a protective measure against carcinogenic exposure in fires

In this scientific advisory report, which offers guidance to public health policy-makers, the Superior Health Council of Belgium provides a brief overview of occupational hazards for firefighters and recommendations on the possible use of nitrile butadiene rubber gloves to reduce exposure to carcinogenic substances.

In short

All fire-fighter gloves on the Belgian market are safe for use.

As regards textile gloves, the Superior Health Council recommends thorough cleaning after each intervention (according to European guidelines).

Leather gloves are harder to clean. The Superior Health Council therefore considers it acceptable to use nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) undergloves.

In practice, the increased risk of serious burn wounds due to NBR rarely occurs, whilst these undergloves do provide additional protection against the risk of long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances.

NBR undergloves must never come into direct contact with hot surfaces, but must always be completely covered by firefighter gloves.

The possibility of cleaning leather gloves with liquid CO2 should be further investigated.