More than 100 Ohio fire departments, including several in the Valley, will share $1.1 million in grants from the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC) under a program to protect firefighters from carcinogens and other harmful health hazards encountered by firefighters during their daily work activities.
 
The fire departments are receiving the funding under BWC's Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant Program, which helps departments purchase safety gear, exhaust systems and specialized washing machines.

Because residue collected on firefighter's gear during a blaze can cause respiratory disease, cancer, and other ailments, it is important not only to wear appropriate protective gear but also to ensure its cleaned properly, according to a press release.
 
"The immediate dangers firefighters face when battling a fire are clear," said Dr. Abe Al-Tarawneh, Superintendent of BWC's Division of Safety and Hygiene. "It's the less visible dangers and health hazards leading to slow erosion of firefighter's health that went unrecognized for too long. We're hopeful this unique grant program will not only protect firefighters from exposure to those health hazards but will also enhance the culture of safety in Ohio's fire service." 

Grant recipients across Mahoning and Trumbull counties are listed below. 

Cardinal Joint Fire District (Mahoning County)
$14,873 to purchase 92 gloves and 92 hoods. 
 
Milton Township (Mahoning County)
$3379.10 to purchase 18 hoods with barrier protection and 18 structural gloves.
 
Western Reserve Joint Fire District (Mahoning County)
$15,000 to purchase three extractors.
 
Bristol Township (Trumbull County)
$11,425 to purchase 25 hoods with barrier protection, 25 washable gloves and one extractor.
 
City of Cortland (Trumbull County)
$8,181.66 to purchase 66 hoods and 66 gloves. 
 
City of Niles (Trumbull County)
$9,333.33 to purchase 70 hoods with barrier protection and 70 washable gloves.
 
City of Warren (Trumbull County)
$10,020.83 to purchase 65 hoods with barrier protection and 65 washable gloves.
 
Weathersfield Township Trustees (Trumbull County)
$12,000 to purchase 90 hoods with barrier protection and 90 washable gloves.