A job search firm, Career Cast, lists the occupation of firefighting as one of the Most Dangerous Jobs of 2015. Beyond the obvious risks of smoke inhalation and burns, what makes firefighting so dangerous? A 2008 study showed that 61.7% of firefighters received on-the-job injuries of fractures, sprains, or muscle injuries. Other injuries included wounds, fire or heat burns, chemical burns, respiratory problems, skin exposure, and heart attacks or strokes. While those types of physical injuries will heal over time, firefighters breathe in smoke on nearly every call. Smoke is filled with dangerous carcinogens that settle into the firefighter’s lungs ...
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