An article on CBSChicago.com talks about a higher than normal risk of cancer for firefighters.
A new study reveals a surprising link between firefighters and cancer. Nearly 15,000 of them were included in this research, and the results could lead to some big changes in the way firefighters do their jobs.
A newly released study looked at 30,000 firefighters from three departments: Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia over nearly 60 years.
The conclusion, according to Tom Ryan, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2: “Our cancer levels will be higher than the average person.”
Chicago firefighters are two and half times more likely to develop mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos. They also have a higher rate of digestive and respiratory cancers and develop kidney, bladder and prostate cancers far younger than the average age of 65. … chemicals released when modern-day materials burn and are breathed in. They may also be absorbed through the skin, even away from the fire.
A companion study recommends keeping gear outside the truck after fighting a fire and then storing it in its own ventilated room at the station. Firefighters should also shower immediately after.
More than 30 types of cancer were examined in this research … later this year … a second phase of the study will be released that should give a better idea of how exposures to certain chemicals might lead to specific cancers.
thanks Dan
