Firefighting is a cancer risk


A declaration last month that occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic is “hugely significant”, says the FBU firefighters’ union. 


The decision, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a World Health Organization body, comes against a background of global research proving the links between firefighting and cancer. 


This research includes in the UK where a survey by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) found firefighters were four times more likely to have been diagnosed with cancer than the general population. 


FBU national officer Riccardo la Torre said: “Firefighters have known for some time now that their occupational exposure to toxic contaminants has links to cancer and this development is a hugely significant and vital step forward to getting firefighters the recognition and protection that they need to do their jobs safely. 


“This classification should be a huge wake-up call for both the government and fire and rescue services.” 


He called for urgent improvements to protect firefighters from fire contaminants by utilising the FBU’s “ground-breaking” training. 


Reassuring members that the union will fight to protect their safety, he added: “It’s now time to sit up, listen and act to protect firefighters from this life- threatening occupational hazard.”