Saturday, July 30, 2022

Cancer Has Become Epidemic in the Fire Service

It’s a disturbing figure. According to a University of Fraser Valley study, 86 percent of firefighter workplace deaths are due to cancer, despite the fact that firefighters are in top physical shape. This figure is much higher than it is for the public.

Firefighters are also more prone to cardiovascular disease and illnesses related to the endocrine system, such as reproductive tracts. It’s not just chemical exposures from fires through inhalation. Research has shown that firefighters are also susceptible to absorption of smoke, gases, and aerosolized products through the skin.

And exposure is not just during fires. Fire stations and equipment can be sources of exposure too.

Women are particularly susceptible to PFASs (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are found in foam used in firefighting and in protective equipment. They are not only carcinogenic but have reproductive and cardiovascular disease effects. Worse, some have a half life of up to nine years.

Firefighter associations across the country are raising the alarm to expand the list of cancers that are recognized as occupational diseases and encouraging the preventative detection of cancers through screening at an earlier age.

Source: thesafetymag.com

Cancer Has Become Epidemic in the Fire Service

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