FIREFIGHTER RISKS
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for firefighters and they have statistically higher rates of multiple types of cancers than the general population. There has been an increasing amount of epidemiological evidence linking occupational exposures from firefighting to various forms of cancer including:
- Testicular Cancer
- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Malignant Melanoma
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Leukemia
Research has shown that most of it is caused by carcinogens they are exposed to through soot particulates which are inhaled, ingested, and absorbed through their skin. The permeability of skin rises with rising body temperature; therefore, the carcinogens that are in the soot are being absorbed quickly into their skin, particularly along the face, jawline, neck, and wrists where the skin is most permeable.
REDUCE THE RISK
It has long been a “badge of honor” to be covered with soot, “proof” that the firefighter was not afraid to be on the front lines. However, scientific studies have shown that soot is a group-one carcinogen and that these toxicants can cause cancer long after the firefighter has completed overhaul and left the fire scene.