In addition to the danger of putting out fires, firefighters are at an increased risk for different types of cancer due to the smoke and hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in the line of duty. There have been multiple studies that show this increased risk for cancer.
Can being a firefighter cause cancer?
Firefighters can be exposed to hundreds of different chemicals in the form of gases, vapors, and particulates. Some of these chemical substances are known or suspected to cause cancer. Some of these hazardous substances are byproducts of combustion or burning, such as benzene and formaldehyde.
What kind of cancer do firefighters get?
The original studies (n = 104) analyzed in the SRs were published between 1959 and 2018. The results consistently reported a significant increase in the incidence of rectal, prostate, bladder and testicular cancers as well as mesothelioma and malignant melanoma in firefighters compared to the general population.
Do firefighters have shorter life expectancy?
Firefighters have shorter life expectancies than the average population and are three times more likely to die on the job, partly due to inherent risks, physical and mental stresses, and exposures to toxic and carcinogenic compounds released in smoke (source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, University of Cincinnati).
What are the long term effects of being a firefighter?
Firefighters are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, and noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational medical care for firefighters needs to monitor for these long-term health risks.
How common is cancer in firefighters?
“In all, researchers found that more than two-thirds of firefighters–68 percent–develop cancer, compared to about 22 percent for the general population…” “Firefighters…have a 68% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than the general population.”
How do firefighters not get cancer?
As a firefighter, what can I do to reduce my risk of cancer?
- Reduce exposure to diesel exhaust from the fire apparatus. …
- Clean and care for PPE and SCBA properly. …
- Wash yourself as soon as possible after every fire. …
- Store PPE gear correctly to avoid contaminating other areas in the firehouse or apparatus.
What is the number 1 killer of firefighters?
Cancer is now the number one cause of death among firefighters. According to data from the nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network (active in the USA and Canada) cancer caused 66% of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019.
What is the life expectancy of a firefighter?
The average life expectancy at age 60 for police and firefighters was 24 years for men and 26 years for women. For non-police and fire, the comparable figures were 25 years for men and 27 years for women – just one year longer! And the pattern was quite consistent across states and localities.
What toxins are firefighters exposed to?
The results indicate that firefighters are frequently exposed to significant concentrations of hazardous materials including carbon monoxide, benzene, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes, hydrogen chloride, dichlorofluoromethane, and particulates.
At what age do most firefighters retire?
Firefighters usually are eligible to retire with pension benefits between 50 and 57 years old. Some may be forced to retire sooner due to injuries and others may choose to work longer, depending on health, the age they were first hired, and the type of pension they are entitled to.
How do you know if firefighting is right for you?
The best firefighters are those who have the ability to maintain their composure while, multi-tasking and thinking on their feet in the face of life and death emergencies. They must be able to organize a great deal of information in a short period of time under extreme mental, physical and psychological conditions.
What’s a better job firefighter or cop?
Jokes aside, neither job is better than the other.
Both cops and firefighters are necessary and very important when they are needed. If there is a big fire or a serious medical emergency, the firefighter is better trained and equipped to handle it. However, if there is someone shooting, the police are who you want.
Are firefighters uniforms toxic?
A recent study shows that the turnout gear firefighters wear is full of chemicals to keep it dry, but those chemicals, known as PFAS, have been known to be toxic and may be contributing to diseases.
What are the cons of being a firefighter?
Here are five cons that may accompany a firefighter’s job:
- Constant training. Firefighters undergo extensive and constant training throughout their careers. …
- Long shifts. …
- Dangerous job. …
- Mentally demanding. …
- Physically demanding.
Is it worth being a firefighter?
Conclusion. Firefighting is an incredibly rewarding job that’s truly worth it if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Though you will have to give up some much-valued time with your friends and family and put yourself at risk in dangerous situations, being a firefighter has plenty of benefits.