WHY REMOVING PAHS FROM YOUR FIRE GEAR IS CRITICAL
Today’s fires are more hazardous than ever before. They involve a complex mix of chemicals from sources like lithium-ion batteries, diesel fuel, and even everyday materials like paint and asphalt. These substances release polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, which can bind to gear and pose serious health risks through skin absorption—even after traditional water-based cleaning methods. Some of these dangerous chemicals produced during structural fires can be carcinogenic.
RedZone CO2 Cleaning: Elevating Firefighter Protection
Our process provides firefighters with the highest level of protection by removing on average 98% of these dangerous PAHs, providing a deeper clean that safeguards the health of our firefighters. NFPA 1851 cleaning efficiency data indicates that CO2 cleaning removes a higher level of contaminants from the PPE than conventional water washing. CO2 cleaning is also gentler on the PPE elements, reducing wear and tear that can be introduced by washing.
How Does RedZone CO2 Cleaning Work?
RedZone CO2 cleaning uses a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact. We reclaim CO2 waste from local industries, purify it, and then reuse it in a waterless cleaning process. The process utilizes liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as its main cleaning fluid, with no more than 2% (by volume) of additives or detergents.
The process doesn’t require the use of a vacuum pump for distillation or vessel evacuation, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between loads. Each advanced cleaning cycle consists of four separate baths using purified CO2, which is constantly circulated from the cleaning vessel through a filter to ensure ongoing purification. The two-stage filtration system in our machines removes particles as small as 5 microns, ensuring that even the smallest contaminants are captured. This approach not only reduces water consumption and removes the harsh contaminants, but also reclaims 95% of the CO2 used, making it an eco-friendly solution.
Innovating Gear Safety with Lithium Decontamination
As lithium batteries become essential for powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, their risks grow. When these batteries ignite, they release toxic contaminants that can linger in firefighter gear. Collaborating with Tersus Solutions and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), LION has developed the world’s first process specifically designed to decontaminate lithium from gear. This innovative solution removes harmful lithium residues to a level that ensures the gear is safe for use and ready to return to service.