New Study Shows Soot and Toxins Increase Risk for Cancer

December 18, 2006 – A new study, “Cancer Risk Among Firefighters: A Review and Meta-analysis of 32 Studies,” conducted by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, finds that on-the-job exposure to soot and toxins creates an increased risk for certain types of cancer among fire fighters.

Study authors analyzed data from 32 health studies conducted among fire fighters over the past 50 years, and then quantitatively assessed the probable, possible and unlikely risk of 21 cancers among fire fighters.

According to the study, fire fighters are significantly more likely to develop multiple myelomas and are at elevated risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate and testicular cancers. Furthermore, the research shows that fire fighters are at increased risk for many other types of cancers, including melanoma and other skin malignancies, cancer of the brain, rectum, stomach, oral pharynx and colon.

This study is consistent with the IAFF position that there is sufficient evidence available to demonstrate that fire fighting exposures increase the risk of cancer. It further supports the IAFF’s effort to enact and maintain presumptive legislation that defines cancer as occupationally related to fire fighting.

Click here for a copy of the study.