The Decon™ Bag: Safely Trap Harmful Contaminants
We’re excited to announce the return of the Decon™ Bag, which will be available in March 2025! Designed to trap carcinogens and harmful contaminants, the Decon™ Bag is an essential tool for firefighters, emergency responders, and anyone looking to safely isolate soiled PPE after exposure to dangerous environments.
As Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires become more prevalent, wildland firefighters face increased exposure to carcinogens typically associated with house fires, such as toxic fumes from plastic-based furnishings. That’s why the Decon™ Bag isn’t just for structural firefighters—it’s for anyone looking to protect themselves from hazardous contaminants.
Why the Decon™ Bag Matters
With its airtight and abrasion-resistant construction, the Decon™ Bag effectively seals off contaminants, preventing them from escaping and exposing firefighters to harmful substances in fire apparatus or privately owned vehicles. It also serves as an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional plastic garbage bags, which are often ineffective at fully containing contaminants and are wasteful due to their single-use design.
Features:
- Airtight, Waterproof Design: Keeps contaminants sealed inside, preventing exposure during transport.
- Abrasion-Resistant Construction: Durable and designed to withstand the harsh conditions of firefighting.
- Roll-Top Closure with Buckle: Ensures no contaminants escape once the bag is sealed.
- Large Capacity and Compact Storage: Fits all turnout gear while maintaining a compact size for easy storage.
- Machine Washable and Reusable: A sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags, reducing environmental waste.
New Challenges: Wildland Firefighters and Carcinogen Exposure
As WUI fires become more common, wildland firefighters are now facing exposure to carcinogens typically found in structure fires. These contaminants include chemicals from burned household items, plastics, and other synthetic materials, posing new health risks to firefighters who were once primarily concerned with smoke inhalation and heat exposure.
The Decon™ Bag provides an effective solution for wildland firefighters by securely isolating soiled PPE, preventing contaminants from spreading in vehicles or at home. This is especially important for volunteers who may transport their gear in personal vehicles, risking exposure to themselves and their families.
How to Load Your Decon Bag
Decontamination begins the moment you leave the fireground. The Decon™ Bag is designed to be part of a comprehensive decon strategy, ensuring that gear is safely contained until it can be properly laundered.
Here’s how it works:
- Load it Up: At the bottom, place gloves and a personal towel, followed by folded pants and jackets. Then, add boots and helmets.
- Roll It Tight: Roll the top to trap contaminated air inside.
- Seal It: Buckle it securely.
- Transport Safely to Launder: Store the bag in the cab or personal vehicle without risking exposure to harmful contaminants until it can be cleaned.
A Safer Future for Firefighters
The return of the Decon™ Bag represents our ongoing commitment to protecting firefighters and emergency responders from cancer-causing contaminants. As the fire industry continues to prioritize decontamination, the Decon™ Bag is essential for ensuring safety on and off the fireground.
Whether you’re a structural firefighter, wildland firefighter, or emergency responder, the Decon™ Bag provides a reliable and environmentally responsible solution for safely transporting soiled PPE. As we prepare for its relaunch in March 2025, make sure to follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when it becomes available.
Protect yourself. Protect your community. Roll up, seal in, and roll out with the Decon™ Bag.
About True North Gear
True North has invested over 30 years into researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative gear and clothing for first responders and industrial safety workers. We provide the pinnacle in performance through a design philosophy that embraces durability, comfort, and protection as inclusive elements. Designing and delivering dependable products is essential to our overarching mission to support and protect customers operating in life-risking environments every day. As part of these efforts, we focus on actions that improve and support the great outdoors. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, and as a Climate Neutral certified organization, we’re putting our resources and attention on helping the environment that our customers live and work in because a safer landscape means fewer lives on the line, along with healthier land, environment, and air.
