THE INVISIBLE DANGER OF BUNKER GEAR TRANSFER ! 1 The Invisible Danger of Bunker Gear Transfer: A Theory-Based Intervention to Increase Post- Fire Decontamination to Reduce Cancer Risk in Firefighters

Studies show significant association between cancer risk and being a firefighter. Firefighter bunker gear often contains carcinogens that firefighters may absorb through contact or inhale through off-gassing, thereby increasing cancer risk. Awareness of increased cancer risk has given rise to policies and practices focused on gear cleaning and decontamination processes to decrease risk, yet these efforts are in their infancy and tend to be somewhat piecemeal in nature. This study presents a theory-based communication intervention tailored to the unique context of a high reliability organization (HROs). The intervention focused on increasing post-fire decontamination behaviors to reduce exposure to carcinogens among firefighters. Results of the intervention across nine fire stations show significant increases in attitudes, norms, self-efficacy, and response-efficacy, decreases in perceived barriers, and increased intention to engage in decontamination processes. The results of this study provide valuable evidence for utilizing theoretical elements in message design for interventions in HROs.