Labour urged to support firefighters’ health and compensation

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has called on Labour leader Keir Starmer to endorse financial assistance and health monitoring measures for firefighters who have developed cancer and other diseases due to their occupation.

FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack expressed that firefighters have been “betrayed” by the UK government and urged Starmer to ensure compensation for those suffering from cancer, heart, lung, and other conditions caused by exposure to fire contaminants.

Rising cancer rates among firefighters

A report commissioned by the FBU and conducted by the University of Central Lancashire highlighted alarming cancer rates among firefighters.

The study revealed significantly higher mortality rates in firefighters compared to the general population, with prostate cancer 3.8 times, leukaemia 3.17 times, oesophageal cancer 2.42 times, and cancer of unknown origin 6.37 times more likely.

Furthermore, cancer incidence in UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population of the same age group.

International comparisons and the call for action

The FBU emphasised that the UK lags behind countries like the US, Canada, and Australia, which have had similar compensation measures for firefighters for decades.

Wrack sees this as a historic opportunity for Starmer to deliver justice for affected firefighters, suggesting a commitment to swift compensation delivery in Labour’s General Election manifesto.

He highlighted the need for a program of regular health monitoring and improved prevention measures.

IFSJ Comment

The FBU’s call for Labour support in providing justice for firefighters battling serious illnesses marks a crucial moment in addressing occupational health risks faced by firefighters.

The stark statistics presented by the University of Central Lancashire study underline the urgent need for effective health monitoring and compensation measures.

This appeal not only seeks to rectify past oversights but also aims to align the UK with global standards in firefighter health and safety.

The outcome of this initiative could significantly influence the well-being of firefighters and set a precedent for occupational health policies.

Experts weigh in the reduction of firefighter cancer exposure

by Breaking NewsHealth and Safety

Research and best practices to reduce cancer exposure for fire fighters were discussed by scientists, fire industry leaders, and other key stakeholders at a two-day workshop in Ottawa, Ont. on Oct. 26-27.

The event saw participation from over 100 in-person and virtual attendees and was orchestrated by the IAFF in collaboration with Health Canada.

Firefighter cancer exposure: A growing concern

The workshop was initiated in response to the recent passing of Bill C-224. This bill introduces a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of cancers associated with firefighting.

Presentations covered a range of topics including on-site exposure limitation, the efficiency of personal protective equipment (PPE), and innovative designs in PPE.

Attendees participated in group discussions, breakout sessions, and formulated statements on harmonised strategies, best practices, and areas lacking information.

Key highlights and presentations

Kevin Rojecki from Puget Sound highlighted the magnitude of the exposure issue for those present.

Simultaneously, Kevin Tomyk from Vancouver shared insights on best practices to mitigate and rectify on-site exposures.

Another noteworthy presentation came from Dixon Phillips and John Schmidt from Pasco County, detailing their newly launched decontamination programme.

Collaborative efforts in reducing cancer risks

Neil McMillan, IAFF Director of Science and Research and co-organiser of the event, remarked on the workshop’s significance, commenting that partnering with Health Canada to bring academics and fire service stakeholders together to tackle the broad topic of occupational exposure enables the IAFF to better identify the health impacts its members experience, an important step toward reducing them.”

He also acknowledged the support from various Canadian Government officials and General President Edward Kelly.

Regarding the commitment to reduce cancer’s impact on fire fighters, he added: “The road to a safer and healthier tomorrow for our Canadian IAFF members is being paved through work being done by leaders like federal Health Minister Mark Holland, MP Sherry Romanado, and General President Kelly.”

Minister Holland, present during the event’s inauguration, shared the government’s perspective: “That’s why this is important, and that’s why our continued collaboration between fire fighters and Health Canada in understanding those risks, mitigating those risks, and reducing them to the greatest extent possible is so essential.

“In order for Canadians to be safe, we need fire fighters to be safe.”

Global recognition for Canada’s efforts

MP Sherry Romanado, who introduced Bill C-224, emphasised the international attention Canada is receiving. “Other countries are now looking at what the Canadian Government is doing to address occupational cancer in fire fighters,” she noted.

Expressing gratitude towards the ongoing efforts, she said: “I want to thank you because what you are doing today is groundbreaking.

“What we are going to be doing is saving lives, and there is no more meaningful work.”

IFSJ Comment

The proactive steps taken by the Canadian Government, in partnership with IAFF and Health Canada, underline the pressing need to address the risk of cancer in the fire fighting community.

The introduction of Bill C-224 and the collective efforts of experts, researchers, and industry leaders at the workshop reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety of fire fighters.

As these best practices and strategies are developed and implemented, they not only safeguard the health of those on the frontline but also set a commendable example for other nations to follow.

IAFF urges a comprehensive approach to tackle fire fighter cancer

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is rallying stakeholders from various sectors to implement a holistic strategy aimed at curtailing the menace of fire fighter occupational cancer.

Fire fighter cancer: a growing concern

“All of us have lost friends to cancer,” General President Edward Kelly voiced at the 2023 US Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control last week.

“We need to do whatever it takes to end this menace within the fire service.”

Kelly emphasised the importance of immediate action and proposed a comprehensive fire fighter cancer prevention strategy.

This strategy would focus on investment in pivotal research programmes, particularly those that highlight the most significant cancer threats to fire fighters.

In addition, it will advocate for routine cancer screenings, further education, and training to better comprehend the heightened risks.

Uniformity in coverage and benefits

Kelly also discussed the discrepancies in cancer presumption coverage across US states and Canadian provinces.

He suggested a national presumption coverage for every fire fighter diagnosed with cancer.

Furthermore, the IAFF endorsed the augmentation of the Public Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) Program.

This expansion would encompass line-of-duty deaths and lasting disabilities resulting from occupational cancer.

Stakeholder responses and commitments

The U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit saw the participation of numerous fire service members, officials, and scholars.

It was conducted at the National Emergency Training Summit in Emmitsburg, Maryland. US President Joe Biden, addressing the attendees virtually, lauded the fire fighters, referring to them as: “the heart of the community.”

He emphasised the administration’s support for the fire service, citing:

  • $350 billion from the American Rescue Plan designated for first responders.
  • A 2023 budget request amounting to $320 million for federal grants to aid new recruitment and equipment procurement.
  • Support for various legislative measures, such as the presumptive cancer legislation and the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, highlighted the continuous challenges fire fighters face.

These include increasing forest fires, threats from lithium battery fires, and mental health challenges.

Mayorkas summarised: “The character of the fire fighter remains unwavering: brave, duty-bound, community-focused, and ever-ready to sacrifice.”

Call for self-advocacy

Amidst the support and pledges, Patrick Morrison, IAFF’s Chief of Field Services, stressed the importance of self-advocacy within the fire service.

He underscored that early cancer screenings could notably elevate survival rates.

He also encouraged fire fighters to register on the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer to advance research on fire fighter occupational cancer.

IFSJ Comment

The correlation between the fire service and cancer incidence demands immediate attention.

The firefighting community has persistently been at the frontline, ensuring our safety.

Their occupational hazards, however, put them at an elevated risk of health complications, especially cancer.

Comprehensive strategies, like the one proposed by the IAFF, not only recognise the grave issue but also provide actionable steps to address it.

Adequate funding, early detection through screening, and consistent research are critical components in this fight.

The community’s well-being is paramount, and such initiatives are a testament to that commitment.

Firefighters in West Midlands participate in vital cancer testing research

by Breaking NewsHealth and Safety

Fire Brigades Union spearheads groundbreaking cancer testing project

West Midlands firefighters are now undergoing tests for cancer and other health issues.

This initiative is a part of a comprehensive firefighter health monitoring research project across the UK.

The research has been commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and is being executed by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

UK firefighters exposed to increased risk of occupational cancer

Currently, there is no regular monitoring provided for firefighters in the UK despite the clear risks associated with their profession.

Recent studies have shown a concerning trend: the incidence of cancer among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is significantly higher compared to the general population within the same age group.

Specifically, firefighters have a 3.8 times higher likelihood of developing prostate cancer, 3.17 times for leukaemia, and 2.42 times for oesophageal cancer.

This alarming data comes after the World Health Organisation declared occupational exposure for firefighters as carcinogenic.

Firefighters contribute to early detection and prevention

Over a hundred firefighters are participating in this new initiative.

They are providing essential blood and urine samples for testing at the University of Central Lancashire.

The aim is to detect any early signs of cancers or other diseases, as well as to find evidence connecting occupational cancers with exposure to toxic fire chemicals.

Riccardo La Torre, Fire Brigades Union’s national officer, stated: “This research is a vital part of our campaign to protect firefighters from cancer and other occupational diseases.”

He added: “It is shocking that firefighters have had to fund this cancer testing themselves through their union.”

He further lamented the fact that the West Midlands Fire Service declined the opportunity to support the project.

Instead, the testing is being conducted at a football ground, due to the Chief Fire Officer’s lack of full support for the research.

Billy Holland, FBU’s regional secretary for the West Midlands, highlighted: “Every firefighter taking part in this groundbreaking research in the West Midlands should be proud of their contribution to making the profession safer.”

He further commented on the broader picture: “The UK is decades behind the rest of the world when it comes to protecting firefighters from contaminants in fire.”

IFSJ Comment

The recent initiative to conduct cancer testing for firefighters in West Midlands is a significant step forward for the safety and well-being of these brave individuals.

The alarming statistics surrounding the heightened risk firefighters face emphasise the need for such research projects.

Not only does this help in early detection, but it also aids in understanding the direct impact of occupational hazards on firefighters.

The Fire Brigades Union’s commitment to protecting their members, coupled with the University of Central Lancashire’s expertise, is paving the way for future preventative measures.

It’s crucial for other regions to observe and learn from this model to ensure the health of firefighters everywhere.

Cancer testing initiative launched for London firefighters

by Featured NewsHealth and Safety

Fire Brigades Union and University of Central Lancashire launch health research project for firefighters

A pioneering health research project has commenced in London, spearheaded by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The project aims to test hundreds of firefighters for early signs of cancer and other health-related issues. Despite firefighters being at increased risk of occupational cancer, they currently do not receive regular health monitoring in the UK.

Groundbreaking health checks and the urgent need for action

The health checks, which are set to run until June 24th, involve nearly 300 firefighters providing blood and urine samples for disease biomarker and toxic chemical analyses. Professor Anna Stec, a renowned expert in fire toxicity from UCLan, leads this initiative with the primary goal to detect early-stage diseases and establish a connection between occupational cancers and exposure to toxic fire chemicals.

Worrying rates of cancer among firefighters

This research follows alarming recent findings that the cancer incidence among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population of the same age. The World Health Organisation’s recent confirmation that occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic further underscores the urgency of this project. London’s initiative follows similar launches in Tyne and Wear and Greater Manchester, with the objective of testing a total of 1,000 firefighters across the UK.

Firefighters’ voices: A call for urgent attention and action

The FBU National Officer, Riccardo la Torre, conveyed the need for action stating that “firefighters are taking action to address the serious health risks they face at work” and emphasised the necessity for “UK-wide regular health monitoring to catch occupational diseases early and save firefighters’ lives.”

Gareth Beeton, FBU London Chair, echoed this sentiment and asserted that the research project will “undoubtedly save firefighters’ lives,” calling for employers to take the issue more seriously.

Highlighting the implications of the study, Professor Anna Stec from UCLan noted that “firefighters are dying from rare cancers up to 15-20 years earlier than the general public” and that “measures such as health monitoring will go a long way to ensuring that firefighters can be properly protected.”

In support of the initiative, London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, stated the necessity of making firefighters “as safe as possible at work” and acknowledged the importance of ongoing research to better understand the impacts of contaminant exposure throughout their careers.

IAFF calls for occupational cancer to be classified as line-of-duty death

by Featured News

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced its support for a new legislation introduced in the US Congress that would expand the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to include coverage for firefighters who develop cancer as a result of their service.

The new classification would make surviving family members eligible for Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB), which is currently unavailable for cancer-related deaths. The PSOB program provides federal death and disability benefits to the families of first responders who die or become disabled in the line of duty due to on-the-job injuries and medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and COVID-19.

General President Edward Kelly said: “When a firefighter dies due to occupational cancer – as St. Paul firefighter Mike Paidar did in 2020 – we owe it to them to ensure their families get the line-of-duty benefits they deserve.”

St. Paul, MN Local 21 member Mike Paidar died in 2020 from acute myeloid leukemia after being exposed to carcinogens on the job. His wife, Julie, successfully petitioned the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to classify her husband’s death as a line of duty. In a historic first for Minnesota, the Paidar family was awarded line-of-duty death benefits for occupational cancer.

The bill would extend benefits in cases where first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is co-sponsored in the Senate by Minnesota Democrat Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Republican Kevin Cramer. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). The legislation has the support of the country’s fire and police organizations.

“Firefighters and first responders put their lives and health on the line every day and have an increased risk of receiving devastating diagnoses many years after exposure to carcinogens,” said Cramer. “Our bill expands benefits to include occupationally-connected cancers to care for those who protect our communities.”

Gimenez added: “Our first responders go above and beyond the line of duty to protect the communities they serve, and this legislation would guarantee that they have access to the life-saving care they rightfully deserve.”

If passed, the bill would guarantee that families of fallen heroes who died from occupational cancers receive line-of-duty death benefits. The IAFF said it is optimistic that the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act will receive the necessary support from Congress.

“The IAFF is proud to support this bill and encourages Congress to act quickly to stand with the families of our fallen firefighters,” said Kelly. “It’s time to right this wrong.”

FBU launches life-saving research to test firefighters for health issues

by Featured News

A new research project commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has begun and provide life-saving firefighter cancer and health monitoring with the first samples carried out in Tyne and Wear. The research is being undertaken by the University of Central Lancashire, led by world experts in fire chemistry and toxicology.  

Firefighters in the UK are currently volunteering to provide blood and urine samples to be analysed, with the first samples taken last week. The results from these tests will be used to determine the number of firefighters with occupational cancers and other diseases resulting from exposure to toxic contaminants in fire.  

Increased risks

The new research follows the recent discovery that instances of cancer among firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population in the same age category. This research revealed that firefighters are significantly more likely to die from cancer, heart attacks, stroke, and several other diseases. The new study is the first of its kind to take place for firefighters in the UK.

Riccardo la Torre, FBU National Officer said he was proud of Tyne and Wear members taking part in the study: “Tyne and Wear is setting a positive example for how fire services can assist in making real steps forwards to save firefighters lives from occupational cancer and diseases.

“Health monitoring must be rolled out across the UK, as a vital part of serious measures to make firefighting a safer profession. No one should face illness, or worse, from going to work. We can and must be the generation to make the profession safer.” 

Anna Stec, professor in fire chemistry and toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire, commented: “This is the first study of its kind in UK and the research brings to light the wide range of occupational hazards that firefighters face. 

“It is vital that firefighters can continue to do their jobs as safely as possible, and the research shows that measures such as health monitoring and reducing exposure from contaminants at the workplace will play an important part in protecting firefighters.

“We hope that working with organisations like TWFRS will not only help us to create a safer working environment in Tyne and Wear, but will also introduce a change to the wider sector.” 

Wayne Anderson, FBU Secretary for Tyne and Wear said the study was a vital step for the fire and rescue sector: “The evidence shows that firefighters’ health is at risk because of exposure to toxic contaminants in fire. We need to continually challenge and improve our preventative and protective measures for all firefighters, to save lives from cancer and other diseases.”

Free cancer screening offered to Chicago Local 2 members

by Featured News

More than 1,400 active and retired Chicago Local 2 members have received free cancer screenings as part of a partnership between Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center.

Local 2 Vice President Pat Cleary got the idea to offer free cancer screenings for active and retired members after hearing retired member Bill Nolan’s story. Nolan, who survived two bouts with lung cancer, was speaking on the importance of early cancer screenings, especially for fire fighters.

Cleary said: “As our members contract cancer at a much higher rate than the average population, we should be tested earlier and more often. After hearing Brother Nolan’s story, I wanted to see what Local 2 could do to make that happen. I reached out to Dr. Christopher Seder, a thoracic surgeon at the Rush Lung Center, to determine what could be done on behalf of our members.”

From there, Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center solidified their partnership. There was still a question of funding, however, as specific criteria must be met for annual cancer screenings to be covered by health insurance. So Local 2 agreed to pick up the cost for those members who do not meet the criteria.

The first of the screenings were held in March 2022 and have continued with regularity. Technicians primarily check for lung cancer, but the process also includes screening for markers (i.e. high levels of calcium, etc.) of other cancers and heart attack risk.

“These screenings are especially important for our older members who were on the job when protective gear was either of a lesser quality than we have today or non-existent,” said Cleary. “I truly believe these screenings have already saved lives.”

While some of these screenings have come up clean, others have found early stages of cancer, advanced cancer needing emergency surgery to remove tumour(s), and some at risk for a heart attack.

General President Edward Kelly, commented : “More than 75 percent of the names that go up on the walls of the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial are due to occupational cancer. Early screenings can save lives and keep names off that wall. I applaud the great work being done by Local 2 and the Rush Lung Center.”

Kelly added: “It will take all of us to battle the scourge of cancer within our ranks. This unique partnership in Chicago can serve as a model for other local affiliates to serve their brothers and sisters.”

The IAFF and the American Cancer Society are working together to prevent cancer in fire fighters and support those currently battling the disease. Go to iaff.org/fightcancer to learn more.

Firefighters more likely to die from cancer and heart attacks

by Featured News

A new study commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and independently carried out by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), has found that firefighters’ mortality rate from all cancers is 1.6 times higher than the general population.

The same study also revealed that firefighters are dying from heart attack at five times the rate of the general public and almost at three times the rate from a stroke.

The study was led by UCLan’s Professor Anna Stec and was carried out by obtaining mortality records from the National Records of Scotland. The results are relevant to the United Kingdom as a whole due to the same conditions faced by firefighters in Scotland and the rest of the UK, with operational procedures consistent across the whole of the country.

The research also shows the mortality rates for certain types of cancer are significantly higher in firefighters, including:

  • Prostate – 3.8 times higher
  • Leukaemia – 3.17 times higher
  • Oesophageal – 2.42 times higher

In instances where cancer with an unknown origin has spread, the rate was 6.37 times higher than the general population.

The excess cancer mortality observed in Scottish firefighters for several types of cancer are likely linked to different kinds of exposures, and/or fire toxins. Cancers of the oesophagus and digestive organs, for example, point to at a potentially significant contribution from ingestion, which may occur when firefighters swallow mucus in which fire effluent has become trapped, or if they have eaten food with contaminated hands. Meanwhile, mortality rates from leukaemia cancer are linked to exposure to other chemicals such as benzene from contact with skin or inhalation.

The study concluded that health monitoring for firefighters; reducing their exposures from contaminants at their workplace; and financial and medical support for those already affected are urgently needed.

“We need legislation”

Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union national officer, said: “This is a study that should horrify fire services and the government. This is about firefighters dying who did not need to. We know that there are clear ways we can make things better for firefighters. We need health surveillance. We need monitoring of exposures. We need legislation that will ensure that affected firefighters are given the compensation they deserve. At the moment we are sorely lacking in all of these areas. It is high time that ends. We cannot lose any more firefighters unnecessarily. Lives are being lost amongst our friends and colleagues and it must stop. We need to catch problems early and mitigate problems early.”

Professor Anna Stec, Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity at UCLan, said: “This is the first study of its kind in UK and the research brings to light the wide range of occupational hazards that firefighters face. It’s important that firefighters can continue to do their jobs as safely as possible, and the research shows that measures such as health monitoring and reducing exposure from contaminants at the workplace will play an important part in protecting firefighters.”

The issue has also been raised in the Scottish Parliament, with Maggie Chapman MSP bringing a motion to Parliament and both Chapman and Pauline McNeill MSP raising the issue at First Minister’s Questions.