In 2019 the St. Paul Fire Foundation purchased 435 particulate hoods to replace the current necessary thermal hood for the St. Paul Fire Department members. These new protective hoods will block 99.9% of the harmful carcinogenic particulates from getting into the pores around their neck and head, and jawline.
According to a multi-year study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), firefighters experience higher rates of cancer-related deaths than the general U.S. Population. Similarly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has stated that firefighters have a 9 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14 percent higher mortality rate than the general U.S. Population. The Saint Paul Fire Department and the City of Saint Paul are also committed to protecting its firefighters and now issues the particulate hood to recruits as part of their standard gear.