In 2019, De-Wipe announced the positive results of a scientific study conducted by leading professors at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) which indicates them as the only eco-friendly after fire wipe proven to remove from skin the most harmful cancer-causing dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by fire.

Just last year, an independent report conducted by scientists at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) highlighted the urgent need for action to be taken in order to protect the long-term health of firefighters. A sobering conclusion from UCLan’s report: “firefighters are still being exposed to the high levels of toxic contaminants during and after a fire, as cancer-causing chemicals remain on PPE clothing, equipment, and elsewhere at the fire ground.”

The report continues by suggesting it appears firefighters are inadvertently transferring contaminants from the scene of a fire back to the fire station; a finding that echoes research published by the UK Government in its ‘Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life’ publication. Furthermore, the ‘Toxic Chemicals…’ publication suggests long-term exposure to toxin contaminated environments is the primary driver behind UK firefighters’ developing more than one type of cancer and that these cancers are being diagnosed at an increasingly younger age.  

Scientists at MMU Prove De-Wipe Removes Harmful Toxins

As chlorinated dioxins are some of the most toxic, cancer-inducing compounds produced during a fire, Associate Director of the Ecology & Environment Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University Dr David Megson was especially keen to examine De-Wipe’s capability at removing 17 of the most dangerous chlorinated dioxins from skin during controlled laboratory tests. The test results are encouraging and indicate that De-Wipe is able to remove chlorinated dioxins.

The ground-breaking study also focused on the 16 most hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – including the highly carcinogenic Benzo(a)pyrene. Results indicate De-Wipe was able to remove these toxic PAHs including an amount greater than 91% of Benzo(a)pyrene after exposure to skin in the controlled laboratory tests.

“The one thing we can say positively now is De-Wipe are effectively removing pollutants from a variety of different surfaces and were able to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and were able to remove dioxins,” Dr Megson confirms.

Since 2019’s publication, Dr Megson and his team have gone on prove greater than 99% removal of harmful germs and bacteria when testing the efficacy of De-Wipe’s Alcohol-Free Sanitiser Wipes. Plus, preliminary feedback from an upcoming report into the effectiveness of De-Wipe’s After Fire Hair & Body Wash is extremely positive; a complete report from MMU is expected in Springtime.   

De-Wipe is committed to a further 2 and half years of crucial study with the scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University with a view to developing more products proven to protect the long-term health of firefighters worldwide.