Mesothelioma and other cancers continuing risk for firefighters

May 4, 2009

Firefighters face many risks at work—from the immediate hazards of fire, smoke and unstable structures to long-term stress and exposure to carcinogens. Mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer are known risks to firefighters because so many older structures, where the risk of fire is highest, are filled with asbestos-containing materials. As these materials deteriorate with age and are damaged or disturbed by fire or fire-fighting efforts, the asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled by firefighters.

A new study of cancer risks among fire fighters was not able to definitively prove a correlation between working as a firefighter and developing cancer, according to the acting head of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and more study is needed. See related story from Fire Fighting News.

Mesothelioma is somewhat different from most cancers, however, because the cause of mesothelioma is so well defined. While it may be unclear what caused a firefighter to develop lung cancer or leukemia, doctors generally know exactly what caused a case of mesothelioma as soon as they diagnose it.

Almost every case of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, making it a “signature disease” of asbestos exposure. That means that, if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, that fact alone is some evidence that you were exposed to asbestos somewhere, even if you didn’t realize it.

The USFA has called for further study and ongoing consideration of benefits for firefighters who get cancer. In the meantime, the USFA supports efforts to prevent and mitigate firefighters’ exposures to carcinogens and other toxic substances.

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