Firefighters being exposed to harmful chemicals resulting in various types of cancer

For the first time, a high rate of cancer among colleagues has been acknowledged by the UK’s chief fire officer.

Recent scientific research suggests that firefighters are at a high risk of getting cancer because of the contaminated clothing and equipment they use. The Fire Brigades Union has called for more protection from the government to protect firefighters.

Chris Moore, Union spokesman and a firefighter from South Shields, who has been receiving treatment for an incurable cancer says:

“Up and down the country firefighters are dying of this, due to them saving lives in the line of duty, and their job is killing them.”

Mr. Moore urges the government to wake up and protect firefighters by providing better protective equipment and measures. He further adds:

“At the moment we’re having to turn out to fires with kit that’s already dirty, because we’ve got one set in the washing machine and the one we’ve got is already dirty”.

Fire chemistry ad toxicity expert Professor Anna Stec states that “there is a direct link between firefighters’ occupation and cancer” and that “firefighters are twice as likely to die when compared to the general population – and they’re dying from not one type of cancer, but they’ve got multiple types”.  For this reason, she has called on the government to protect firefighters.

Prof Stec believes that the protection of firefighters can be maintained by investing in guidance and research; ensuring that they are given the appropriate safety measures including medical care, education and support.

Professor Stec and her research team at the University of Central Lancashire say that the risk of firefighters developing cancer was extremely high due to ‘high levels of harmful chemicals remaining on their protective gear following exposure to smoke’.

According to the research conducted by Professor Stec, the main cause of firefighters being exposed to harmful chemicals/substances was not inhalation but skin absorption meaning these “firefighters became a sponge for all the fire toxins”.

Could I be eligible to make a claim?

If you feel that you have developed cancer as a result of being exposed to high levels of dangerous chemicals including smoke, whilst performing your job as a duty firefighter, then you might be able to claim compensation.

Further reference to the information outlined above can be obtained here.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If you wish to claim for Occupational Cancer, please contact our Industrial Disease team on 0113 200 9720 for a free initial consultation. Or contact us online here to discuss how we can help you.