Dr. Susan Shaw died peacefully at her New York City home. Founder of the Shaw Institute, she authored numerous studies about the environmental causes of cancer and other health problems associated with a wide range of pollutants ranging from microplastics in the oceans to fire retardants in furniture.
To the fire service she will be best remembered for her research and tireless advocacy around the issue of on-the-job exposure to chemicals that cause increased rates of cancer and health problems for firefighters.
In 2013, Shaw was lead investigator of a study that tested a group of San Francisco firefighters. It found that their blood contains high levels of flame retardants and cancer-causing chemicals such as dioxins and furans, produced when household materials treated with flame-retardants burn.
The study’s findings suggested that chemical exposure during firefighting may carry higher risk for multiple cancers than previously known.
Shaw was a strong advocate for both research and turning research into action through political support for legislation to do more to protect firefighters on the job.
In this video she talks about cancer risks to the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association back in 2013.
You can read more about Susan Shaw at the Shaw Institute Website.
