SB 5411-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds and declares that by reason of their employment, fire fighters are required to work in the midst of and are subject to smoke, fumes, infectious diseases, and toxic or chemical substances; that fire fighters are continually exposed to a vast and expanding field of hazardous substances; that fire fighters are constantly entering uncontrolled environments to save lives, provide emergency medical services, and reduce property damage and are frequently not aware or informed of the potential toxic carcinogenic, and infectious diseases that they may be exposed to; that fire fighters, unlike other workers, are often exposed simultaneously to multiple carcinogens; that fire fighters so exposed can potentially and unwittingly expose coworkers, families, and members of the public to infectious diseases; and that exposures to fire fighters, whether cancer, infectious diseases, and heart or respiratory disease develop very slowly, usually manifesting themselves years after exposure.