Mesothelioma and other cancers among firefighters subject of NIOSH study
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is joining the U.S. Fire Administration to launch a study to determine whether firefighters are at an increased risk for cancer due to soot, smoke, asbestos and other airborne contaminant exposure they encounter in the line of duty. This study will cover examine the health of more than 18,000 firefighters both active and retired, and focus on specific types of cancer and also analyze deaths that are unrelated to cancer.
One particular form of cancer that firefighters are at risk for is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Firefighters can be exposed to asbestos when answering a call at an older buildings that contain asbestos products.
Researchers will study subjects from large urban areas and suburban areas to attempt to determine whether there is increased risk under different working circumstances. The study is expected to take several years, and will be the most comprehensive study of its kind to date.
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