VIDEO: Kelowna Fire Department considers ditching gear linked to cancer

The protective suits or 'turnout gear' that firefighters wear on the job protects them from a lot of dangers, but may also do harm.

In Vancouver, the existing outerwear is being phased out over concerns about cancerous chemicals in the suits.

The first shipment of the new turnout gear arrived last week in Vancouver.

The concern is over perfluoroalkyl and polyflouroalkyl of PFAS substances which make the suits more water and vapour-proof.

The chemicals have been linked to cancer, and cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters.

So the VFD has ordered PFAS-free suits for more than 900 firefighters.

Now, similar changes are being discussed for Kelowna firefighters.

"We're watching very closely," said Assistant Chief Eric Grootendorst.

"We're working very closely with the Union to look at possible solutions."

The changes in Vancouver will help demonstrate how well the new turnout gear performs.

"As long as it is as effective as our current gear," said Assistant Chief Grootedorst, "then you can bet it is definitely something that Kelowna will look at as well."

It's no wonder the VFD is leading North America with this move.

Over the past seven years, 34 firefighters have been lost to cancer with another 10 either fighting it or in remission.

Firefighters face many risks on the job, so Grootendorst said any chance to reduce the risks is worth it.

"The health and safety of our firefighters is the number one priority for us," he said.

"Anything we can do to minimize the cancer risk to our firefighters is well worth the value."

The new suits are not cheap, however.

The change in Vancouver comes at a price tag of $2.8 million.