Wildfire Fighters, Unmasked in Toxic Smoke, Are Getting Sick and Dying
Wildfire Fighters, Unmasked in Toxic Smoke, Are Getting Sick and Dying
The U.S. Forest Service has fought decades of efforts to better protect its crews — sending them into smoke without masks or warnings about the risks. This article details how wildfire fighters are getting sick and dying from toxic smoke exposure, the agency's resistance to providing protective gear, and the long-term health consequences faced by these workers.
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while most of the attention of this article goes to the forest service leadership (and now the current administration) avoiding costs, the discussion of on the ground leadership pushing back due to comfort and aesthetics is worth exploring as well.
there are some parallels to general mask wearing in society during pandemics or even to just help stop the spread of common colds.
it's difficult to try and walk down the path of enforcement when costs are high and enforcement when individuals push back.
this reminds me somewhat of japanese train workplace culture where employees are trained to constantly point towards what they are looking at. while at first it's awkward for new employees, once they understand that "everyone is doing it", they lose the embarrassment if not even gain in pride.
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