Posted on January 3, 2024
January marks Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to recognize the efforts of organizations like the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in combating cancer among firefighters.
Firefighters are at a higher risk of developing cancer, largely due to asbestos exposure during fire responses. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, becomes airborne in fires, posing significant inhalation and contamination dangers. The 2013 NIOSH cohort study that included almost 30,000 U.S. fire fighters from San Francisco, Chicago, and Philadelphia observed the risk of death from and diagnosis of mesothelioma were both twice as high as in the general US population. This risk was highlighted when the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer categorized firefighting as a Group 1 threat in 2022.
For nearly two decades, the IAFF and ADAO have collaborated to promote awareness and implement safety policies aimed at protecting firefighters from asbestos exposure. IAFF General President Edward A. Kelly is a vocal advocate for asbestos regulation, actively supporting legislation like the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now (ARBAN) Act, a life-saving bill that would stop imports and use and help prevent future exposure among firefighters.
Significant legislative efforts, including ARBAN, have been supported by the IAFF and ADAO. During the Senate legislative hearing on June 9, 2023, Dan Whu, MD, MPH, DABPM, DNBPS, ABOIM, FAAMA; Chief Medical Officer of the IAFF, emphasized the urgent need for asbestos regulation, citing its detrimental impact on firefighters’ health. Click here to read Dr. Whu’s written testimony.
The IAFF’s “Asbestos and Fire Fighters” factsheet offers crucial information on exposure routes, health impacts, and preventive strategies against asbestos. It’s a vital tool for firefighters to mitigate asbestos-related risks.
Each week of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, the IAFF will spotlight different resources to promote awareness and prevention:
- Week 1: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer at the Fire Station
- Week 2: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer on the Fireground
- Week 3: Best Practices to Reduce Cancer Off-Duty/Personal Life
- Week 4: Survivorship & Cancer Prevention in Action
Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is not only a time for recognition but also for community action in addressing the occupational hazards firefighters face, especially from carcinogens like asbestos. Our support is crucial in creating safer working conditions for these dedicated public servants.
Join me in expressing our sincere gratitude to General President Ed Kelly and the 343,000 North American IAFF members who selflessly protect us and support prevention and policy efforts to eliminate all asbestos-caused diseases. Their partnership in prevention is a testament to the power of collaboration in tackling complex health issues like firefighter cancer. It combines expertise, resources, and dedication to create a safer environment for those who protect our communities.
Linda Reinstein