Firefighters face hidden cancer epidemic

BRITAIN: Firefighters are suffering a hidden cancer epidemic caused by exposure to toxic chemicals that become embedded in their clothing or inhaled during fires, researchers have found.

The rate of deaths from cancer in firefighters under the age of 75 is ‘‘up to three times higher than in the general population’’, said Anna Stec, professor of fire toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire.

In the general population, 25 per cent-30 per cent of people develop cancer before this age, with about half dying within 10 years.

Skin cancer is one of the highest risks, linked to toxins that contaminate fire crews’ uniforms in blazes.

Mouth and throat cancers from breathing the same chemicals are also common, said Stec. Such chemicals, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), penetrate cells, causing deadly mutations in DNA.

‘‘Cancer incidence is far higher among firefighters than the general population,’’ said Stec.

‘‘Firefighters are exposed to toxins both in the fire and afterwards because soot left on their clothing is absorbed via the skin or inhaled.’’

Stec pursued two sets of research. In one, she took 650 samples from 140 firefighters’ skin, clothing, fire engines and offices. Her paper, in Scientific Reports, a Nature journal, said: ‘‘In almost all cases high or very high quantities of carcinogenic PAHs were identified.’’

In a second study of UK death certificates, preliminary results suggest firefighters experience high rates of cancer of the skin, mouth, throat, liver and kidney. This mirrors studies published in America and Europe.

The revelations coincide with the start of the inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. Experts described their shock at seeing many firefighters entering the smouldering building without breathing apparatus, which exposed them to toxins.

The National Fire Chiefs Council said it now planned a health survey of Britain’s 40,000-plus firefighters.

Sean Starbuck, a former firefighter and now a national officer with the Fire Brigades Union, said: ‘‘The amount of cancer-causing particulates found on firefighters is shocking. Firefighters’ kits aren’t being cleaned properly.’’

The Home Office, which oversees English brigades, said: ‘‘Fire services are responsible for ensuring firefighters are equipped to undertake their role safely.’’

Elizabeth Fallon, 49, is one of many to lose a firefighting partner to cancer. Her husband, James, served in Renfrewshire for 30 years before dying of a rare head cancer in 2016. He left three children, now aged 13, 15 and 16. Fallon, a former fire control operator and now a police officer, said: ‘‘The number of firefighters getting cancer is too high to be chance.’’ - Sunday Times