London firefighters exposed to toxic chemicals and face higher cancer risk, report warns
Firefighters in London are at higher risk of developing cancer than the general population, according to a new report.
The London Assembly Fire Committee found that firefighters may be routinely exposed to toxic substances released during fires, including known carcinogens such as asbestos, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.
Nearly one in 25 (4 percent) of firefighters surveyed reported having been diagnosed with cancer, according to research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), a self-reported survey of more than 11,000 firefighters.
The highest prevalence was between ages 35 and 39; This was approximately three times the number of diagnoses in the general population.
The researchers also found that 10 to 15 percent had abnormal tumor markers compared with a control group of lay people.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who is also chairman of the London Assembly Fire Brigade Committee, said: Independent: “Our research shows that fires don’t end when the flames are extinguished, and we are very concerned about the toxins and contaminants associated with firefighter fire exposure.”
The study cited the Grenfell fire as an example where more than 800 firefighters were exposed to deadly toxins or toxins that could be dangerous in terms of cancer risk.
The team are now considering launching a UK-wide government exposure program investigating what firefighters are exposed to and how to deal with it.
Mr Polanski added: “Years ago there were stories of firefighters rubbing their faces with soot as they went home to their families to show off their work. Now this seems to have largely disappeared, but there still needs to be a culture of making sure people get appropriate protection and then clean up contamination properly.”
“But it’s not just the culture, there are some basic things that the government needs to do that require increased funding that the fire service needs to have, things like having the right PPE or making sure there’s enough and that they’re cleaned appropriately.”
The committee found the London Fire Brigade’s fire contaminants policy had helped drive a clear cultural shift away from the “badge of honour” of having dirty kit, but said more work was needed to address long-standing challenges around personal protective equipment (PPE) and outdated station designs, which had contributed to wide variation in how the policy was applied in practice.
The committee called on the government and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to take action to better understand and reduce firefighters’ exposure to fire pollutants.
Key recommendations include establishing a UK-wide firefighter exposure and health monitoring program and piloting exposure monitoring for operational firefighters in London.
Other recommendations in the report are as follows:
- Strengthening education, assurance and compliance with fire pollutant policies
- Improving PPE availability and future-proofing supply
- Inclusion of health promotion and preventive support within the scope of occupational health services
- Calling on the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council to review the evidence on cancer risks associated with firefighting.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Our firefighters should be as safe as possible at work and we are taking a range of actions to better understand and reduce the effects of pollutants on their health. This is helping the fire and rescue sector develop a clearer picture of how exposures can affect firefighters throughout their careers and the way best to respond.”
“We provide firefighters with clear and comprehensive guidance on comprehensive personal protective equipment and decontamination procedures. We also provide regular mandatory training to ensure they understand the risks associated with contaminants and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
“We have made significant progress on how to reduce the risk of contaminants for our staff and we are fully committed to continuing this by working closely with partners such as the Fire Brigade Union.”
NFCC chairman Phil Garrigan said: “We welcome the London Assembly Fire Committee report, which reflects concerns long expressed in the fire and rescue sector about the scale and long-term impact of exposure to fire pollutants.
“Firefighters risk their lives to protect the public. What they must never accept are the hidden dangers that follow them into their homes, toxic exposures that can harm their health long after the fire is out.
“NFCC is taking decisive action. Following the landmark firefighter contamination investigation, we have worked with fire and rescue services to strengthen contamination controls, incorporate them into operational standards and improve PPE cleaning and inspection, while pushing for investment in modern facilities such as ‘showers in an hour’.”
“Progress is being made through collaborative working with the service and union partners, but significant challenges remain. We call for sustainable, targeted investment and a consistent approach to monitoring firefighters’ health. This must be an ongoing commitment guided by the best available evidence, so every firefighter has the protection they deserve now and in the future.”
