January Is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month

Fire fighters risk their lives every day to protect their communities. However, the dangers they face on the job extend beyond the immediate threats of smoke and flames.

Exposure to hazardous substances, like asbestos in older buildings and PFAS in fire fighting foam and safety equipment, can significantly increase their risk of cancer.

Fire fighter cancer rates have left many first responders rightfully concerned:

• Fire fighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer.
• These first responders are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma compared to the general public.

Occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death in the fire service, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Every January, Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month serves as a critical reminder of the unseen threats fire fighters face and underscores the need for increased awareness, protection, and support for these first responders.

At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we're committed to helping fire fighters with cancer and their loved ones. Contact us now to see if we may be able to fight for your family.

Why Do Fire Fighters Get Cancer?

Fire fighters face a greater risk of cancer due to their frequent exposure to different carcinogens or cancer-causing substances while at work.

These harmful substances may enter the body if they are breathed in, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

Fire fighters may get cancer from exposure to:

• Asbestos: This mineral may be in older buildings and homes. When they catch on fire, asbestos-containing materials may break down, releasing toxic fibers into the air and putting fire fighters at risk of mesothelioma.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): This group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals can be found in equipment used by fire fighters, like aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and turnout gear. PFAS have been linked to multiple types of cancer.
• Toxic smoke: Fires may burn a wide range of items made from plastic and other materials that can release dangerous chemicals into the air.

Understanding the dangerous toxins that fire fighters may come in contact with on the job, as well as how to potentially limit these exposures, is key to reducing the long-term health risks.

Mesothelioma & Fire Fighters

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, which was once commonly used in construction materials like insulation, flooring, and paint.

Fire fighters may not receive prior notice about whether the structures they respond to contain asbestos, making it difficult to protect themselves from exposure. However, emergencies at any building constructed before the 1980s may put them at risk.

During a fire, tiny asbestos fibers may be released into the air and breathed in or swallowed by first responders. These fibers can irritate healthy tissue in the body for decades before symptoms of mesothelioma begin to appear.

Fire fighters may also be exposed to asbestos during routine fire safety inspections or while overseeing maintenance on high-heat industrial equipment. Due to its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was also once used in older fire fighting gear, exposing countless men and women.

If you or a fire fighter you love has been diagnosed with this cancer, call (800) 326-8900 now to see if we may be able to help.

PFAS in Fire Fighting Foam & Gear

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," don't break down in the environment or human body. Instead, these chemicals can build up in the body and may eventually cause cancer.

One major source of PFAS exposure for fire fighters is fire fighting foam or AFFF, which is mainly used to suppress high-intensity fuel fires like those at airports or in military settings.

Bunker or turnout gear, which fire fighters wear to protect themselves, may also contain high levels of PFAS in order to help it repel water and oil.

Over time, PFAS may be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream. One study found elevated levels of PFAS in the blood of fire fighters, potentially increasing their risk of cancer.

As one of the PFAS Law Firms selected by the IAFF, Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to fight for first responders with cancer and work toward industry-wide safety improvements.

How Can Fire Fighters Protect Themselves from Cancer?

There are steps fire fighters can take to minimize their risk of cancer and protect their health, including following safety protocols, properly maintaining gear, and staying informed.

Fire fighters may be able to limit their exposure to carcinogens by:

• Keeping gear in a sealed container or bag during transport
• Only using protective gear for its intended purposes
• Regularly cleaning apparatus cabs after fires to remove toxins
• Switching to PFAS-free gear once it becomes available
• Washing their hands after handling turnout gear

Additionally, fire fighters should prioritize annual cancer screenings. Early detection of potential health issues may improve the chances of successful treatment.

Get Involved During Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month

Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to come together and raise awareness about the cancer risks that fire fighters face.

Whether you're a fire fighter, the family member of a fire fighter, or just someone who wants to support these brave men and women, there are many ways you can get involved and help spread the word:

• Advocate for policy changes, so fire fighters with occupational cancer can get the benefits they deserve
• Join the conversation online by using hashtags like #FFCancerMonth and #FightFFCancer
• Push for safer alternatives to PFAS-containing gear and fire fighting foam
• Share educational resources with the fire fighters in your life, so they have the information needed to protect themselves

If you or a loved one worked as a fire fighter and later developed cancer, Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Contact us now to see if our fire fighter cancer lawyers may be able to fight for you.

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