According to an alarming new study from the University of Cincinnati, firefighters face an elevated risk for developing a variety of malignancies, including multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate and testicular cancers. They may also face an increased risk of developing many other types of cancers, including melanoma, leukemia and cancers of the brain, rectum, buccal cavity, oral pharynx, stomach and colon.
The university researchers combed 32 separate studies of a total of 110,000 firefighters, mostly men, who met their criteria. “The pooled data reveals patterns that might be masked in the smaller studies,” explains lead researcher Grace LeMasters, Ph.D. And the patterns they found are bad news for firefighters.
Chemicals & Carcinogens
All fires contain chemicals that firefighters are likely to inhale at some point while on scene. “Firefighters are exposed to a soup of chemical agents when fighting fires,” LeMasters says. “A lot of these [chemicals] are cancer-causing-things like asbestos and benzene. Soot is also considered a group one carcinogen. Wood dust and vinyl are also hazardous.”
But it’s not just one type or size of fire that can harm a firefighter’s health-all fires should be considered hazardous in terms of these health risks. “Fires in residential homes have burning plastic, melting roof tiles and walls, and of course soot is a common denominator of all fires,” LeMasters notes.
The study reports, “At the fire scene, firefighters are potentially exposed to various mixtures of particulates, gases, mists, fumes of an organic and/or inorganic nature, and the resultant pyrolysis products.” Additional hazardous material on fire scenes includes heavy metals, carcinogenic chemicals, volatile gases and other toxic substances.
Wearing an air-supplied respirator on scene will filter out these airborne chemicals, but only if the respirator has been fit-tested and is worn tightly against the face. Those who have facial hair must make sure it doesn’t prevent a tight fit.
“Another problem is that the minute firefighters come out of a building, they usually take off their masks because they’re very hot and uncomfortable,” says Dr. LeMasters. “But even outside the building, they’re still exposed to these agents.”
Save Your Skin
Skin cancer (or melanoma) is one of the statistically significant risks found by the study. “Even [in turnout gear], smoke gets under coats and up sleeves and pant legs,” LeMasters explains. “Firefighters come out with their bodies covered in soot, as well as the inside and outside of their turnout gear. If they don’t immediately scrub down, their skin can absorb some of these [harmful] chemicals.” One of the best ways firefighters can lower the risk of future health problems is to remove their gear, wash off as soon as possible after a fire and wash their turnout gear before wearing it again. “They need changes of clothing and gear with them so they can change,” LeMasters advises. “Otherwise, re-using or staying in the sooty turnout gear can act like a Band-Aid, holding chemicals against the skin.
“[As a firefighter,] you’re always weighing heat effects versus soot and chemicals,” LeMasters continues. “But if there’s a way to keep the wrist and ankle entrances closed, with Velcro? or something, it could prevent residue from reaching the skin. I think clothing could be better designed to protect the skin-which is the body’s largest organ.”
Demand Change
LeMasters hopes her study will serve as a catalyst for changes to protective clothing and equipment. “We’re hoping that as firefighters and firefighter unions learn about the study results, they’ll demand better protection for their lungs and their skin,” she says. “This is a good opportunity for manufacturers to see what they can do better.”
The University of Cincinnati researchers are considering their next research project. “I’d like to see some research done on prevention,” LeMasters says. “We need to know more about how to prevent these risks to our firefighters. Meanwhile, the key message I have for them is to get that soot residue off their skin as soon as possible.”