Life-saving research

The FBU firefighters’ union has launched new life-saving research with the University of Lancashire, in collaboration with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, to test firefighters for cancer and other health issues. The research is the first of its kind for UK firefighters.

The move follows new research in January 2023 showing that instances of cancer among firefighters aged 35-39 are up to 323% higher than in the general population in the same age group.

It also found that firefighters are significantly more likely to die from diseases including cancer, heart attacks and stroke.

Participating firefighters are providing blood and urine samples for analysis on a voluntary basis.

The results will be used to identify the number of firefighters with occupational cancers and other diseases resulting from exposure to toxic contaminants in fire.

FBU national officer Riccardo la Torre said: “Tyne and Wear is setting a positive example for how fire services can assist in making real steps forwards to save firefighters’ lives.”