How are dry chemicals hazardous to firefighters?

Dry chemicals are considered hazardous to firefighters primarily due to their corrosive nature, as they can damage electronic equipment and aircraft engines, which are critical in emergency situations at airports. This corrosion can lead to malfunctions, posing a significant risk during firefighting operations when every second counts. Additionally, dry chemicals tend to obscure vision, which can hinder a firefighter's ability to navigate through smoke-filled or chaotic environments, making it challenging to locate victims or assess hazards.

The mild respiratory irritant nature of these chemicals further complicates the situation. When firefighters are using dry chemical agents to suppress fires, they may be exposed to these irritants, which can affect their breathing and overall health. This makes wearing proper personal protective equipment even more crucial during firefighting operations, as firefighters need to safeguard themselves against both the flames and the hazardous materials they are working with.

In summary, the combination of corrosion potential, visibility obstruction, and respiratory irritation highlights the unique challenges posed by dry chemicals, confirming their hazardous nature in the context of firefighting operations.