The invisible risk to firefighters
WHY ARE FIREFIGHTERS AT A HIGHER RISK OF CANCER?
A whole range of cancers occur more frequently in firefighters than in the general population. The link between firefighting and increased cancer risk hinges on regular exposure to noxious substances that are released in fires. Toxic fumes, smoke particles and chemicals settle on the skin, on the clothing, and in the airways of firefighters, increasing their risk of a range of cancers.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
The statistics on cancer in firefighters are alarming. Research shows that firefighters have a higher risk of cancer than the general population. Since mid-2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified firefighting in the highest risk category for cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization (WHO). This classification is an important signal to improve protection for firefighters the world over. Previously, firefighting was categorised as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ (group 2b) and was upgraded in 2022 to ‘known to be carcinogenic to humans’ (group 1a).
The negative effects of repeated exposure to toxic substances can build up over time. That means that the risk of developing disease increases with age. Alongside the frequency of exposure, cancer risk depends on several other factors like:
- Duration of exposure
- Type of fire response
- Protective measures used
- Genetic predisposition
WHAT CANCERS DO FIREFIGHTERS SUFFER?
The most common cancers in firefighters are:
- Lung cancer: lung cancer is one of the most frequent forms of cancer in the firefighter community. Exposure to smoke particles and toxic gases during call-outs increases the risk of lung cancer. This cancer affects both male and female firefighters.
- Skin cancer: the nature of working outdoors means that firefighters have a higher risk of skin cancer. This primarily affects those who spend long hours in the sun. Male firefighters seem to be at a higher risk since they are more likely to work outdoors.
- Bladder cancer: firefighters are at a higher risk of bladder cancer, probably due to chemical substances in the smoke that they are exposed to. This impacts both male and female firefighters.
- The high concentration of carcinogenic substances in smoke and their repeated exposure during call-outs contribute to firefighters’ increased risk.
Firefighters on call-outs need protection, and so do the SCBA technicians who work with the contaminated equipment they bring back.
What can we do to prevent Fire Services from cancer risk? Continue reading the second part of the article in MEIKO’s online magazine.
