10 January 2023 , 00:01
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Firefighters are up to six times more likely to die from some types of cancer, a shock study reveals.
The first-of-its-kind research exposes the “wide range of occupational hazards” front line staff face with exposure to toxic fumes and materials.
The Fire Brigades Union said it should “horrify” the Government and is calling for improved health monitoring, plus financial and medical support for workers affected.
Firefighter Steven Burns, 51, says he has spent seven years battling cancer that is “100%” due to his role.
The dad of three, from Hampshire, said: “It’s torture. I joined at 34 and I was diagnosed at 40 with bladder cancer. I had 30 surgeries. They removed 15 tumours. But it’s back so I’m starting chemo.
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Firefighters are exposed to toxic fumes and materials (Getty Images/Cultura RF)“I’m 100% convinced it was caused by my job. The toxins involved in firefighting are huge.
“I’ve had lungfuls of toxic fumes from fires. In the past, we weren’t encouraged to shower immediately after fires or forced to use breathing apparatus at all times.”
Mr Burns, who now tries to educate firefighters about the dangers of the job, added: “This report is long overdue and urgent action is needed by the Government to look after lifesavers.”
Leukaemia is linked to exposure to chemicals such as benzene (Getty Images/Monkey Business)The study, done for the FBU by the University of Central Lancashire, found the mortality rate for all types of cancer is 1.6 times higher in firefighters than in the general public. For prostate cancer it is 3.8 times higher, for leukaemia 3.17 times and oesophageal cancer 2.42 times. And in instances where cancer with an unknown origin has spread, it is 6.37 times higher.
The research suggests leukaemia is linked to exposure to chemicals such as benzene, and cancers of the oesophagus and digestive organs to eating with contaminated hands.
It also found staff die of heart attacks at five times the average rate and strokes at almost three.
The toxins involved in firefighting are huge, said a firefighter who has cancer (AFP via Getty Images)Professor Anna Stec of UCLan said: “The research brings to light the wide range of occupational hazards that firefighters face.”
And FBU national officer Riccardo la Torre added: “This study should horrify fire services and the Government. We need health surveillance, monitoring of exposures.
“We need legislation to ensure affected firefighters get the compensation they deserve. Lives are being lost and it must stop.”