The U.S Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will be conducting a study to analyze whether firefighters have an increased risk of developing cancer due to their exposure to smoke, soot and other hazardous substances.
According to NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard, “NIOSH has worked extensively with partners in the fire service to address occupational safety and health risks for firefighters. We appreciate the funding and support from the U.S. Fire Administration as we engage the scientifically complex question of firefighting and cancer risk.” The multi-year study will involve more than 18,000 current and retired firefighters.
One contaminate firefighters are at risk of being exposed to is asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly incorporated into materials used for constructing homes and buildings. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a rare and fatal type of cancer.
Once exposed, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise and the mesothelioma life expectancy of a patient is often very poor. This is largely due to receiving a late diagnosis and not having a solidified cure for the cancer. asbestos exposure is also known to cause lung cancer and asbestosis.
Firefighters may be at risk of being exposed to asbestos when facing a fire in a home or building that still contains asbestos. An event such as a fire can cause the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos to release into the air where they can be inhaled. Exposure can also occur by ingesting the fibers.
Researchers will be selecting participants for the study by using health records from fire departments. Firefighters who may have been exposed to asbestos should undergo regular health screenings to identify any possible signs of an asbestos-related disease.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found though the mesothelioma Center.