Firefighters Thrice More Prone to Cancer: Research Paper

Introduction

Cancer risks among firefighters may be much higher as compared to the rate at which the general population is developing cancer. According to the findings of the new research conducted by British research, the likelihood of firefighters contacting and dying from cancer is thrice the rate of the general population (Ulfsson, 2018). These increased cases of cancer risks among firefighters are due to the toxic chemicals' build-up embedded in firefighter's clothing's besides multiple carcinogens gasses inhaled or seeped through respiratory and breathing protection apparatuses. Cancer disease is becoming the number one epidemic in firefighters' health. The most common cancer types among firefighters include skin, throat and mouth cancers which are linked to the turnout gear contaminated toxins, and breathing in of toxic chemicals for example PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) which can cause deadly DNA mutations if it penetrates to any body cells.

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According to most works of literature related to the topic of discussion, firefighters suffer higher cancer risks rates of throat, skin, kidneys, mouth, and liver as compared to the general population (Ulfsson, 2018). About two decades ago, the vital routine among firefighters was covering themselves with a mask from smoke during the runs into the fire, and sometimes they end up taking them off. Based on various build-up studies since the 2000s, all breathing and protective apparatuses are essential even after the fire is put off (Ulfsson, 2018). This on the ground that most buildings containing building materials of synthetics contain various toxic chemicals that can infiltrate a person's body through either lung or exposed skin, thus the importance of firefighting protective apparatuses. In that case, the rapidly increasing rates of cancer risks is a controversial topic as irrespective of the risks and higher mortality rates, firefighters themselves contribute to the problem. It is shocking seeing most firefighters not following the procedural routine of protecting themselves before entering a smoldering building before and most importantly after the fire is put off thus exposing themselves to carcinogens toxins (Ulfsson, 2018). The rates of cancer risks among firefighters are much higher to be a chance.

Literature Review

The main functionality of firefighting occupation is responding to domestic emergencies of any kind at a moment's notice; thus, firefighter's readiness and health are the major safety net aspect of the public. In the past two decades, there have been rising concerns concerning cancer risks and firefighting occupation as the mortality and the rate of cancer disease among firefighters is increasing rapidly (ClinicalTrials.gov, 2019). To understand the relationship between cancer risks and firefighter's health in-depth, in addition to the controversy surrounding the strategies of controlling it, a systematic review of the existing related literature has to be taken into consideration. Therefore, in this section, a number of related research studies will be covered. These works of literature to be reviewed will assess, examine, and provide more in-depth information about firefighting risks and its relationship with different forms of cancer (Dow et al., 2015).

In 2010, NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) researchers instigated a multi-year study with the assistance of funding from U.S. Fire Administration to examine if firefighters are exposed to higher cancer risks and high rate of mortality as compared to the general population because of work-related exposures (CDC, 2016). The longitudinal research design of multi-study around 30,000 firefighters from the fire departments of Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco (CDC, 2016). In collaboration with researchers from the University of California and National Cancer Institute, the study showed a significant relationship between cancer and firefighting as sampled firefighters depicted higher rates of different cancer types as compared to the general population (CDC, 2016). As presented by the researchers' reports, the studied firefighters showed a greater number of deaths related to cancer and cancer diagnoses; a large number of them were diagnosed with a rare cancer type- malignant mesothelioma caused by being exposed to asbestos. According to the multi-study findings the risks of death, lung cancer, and leukemia death increased depending on time spent at fire incidence and number of runs to the fire, respectively (CDC, 2016). For these researchers, exposure to toxin agents exposes firefighters to higher mortality and cancer risks (CDC, 2016).

According to McClure et al. (2019), firefighters face occupational exposure that majorly contributes to the cancer cases on many occasions' carcinogenic exposures. This is undebatable among most researchers as cancers grow in becoming the number one death factor among firefighters. Not different from other studies, McClure et al. (2019) conducted occupational research using cancer registry data of Florida firefighters. The cancer registry was used as a surveillance aspect of cancer illness among the general population; thus, the accuracy of this study. Even though the research using cancer registry data was limited due to missing fields, biased data can be used by a specific population with known exposure such as a firefighter. This data linkage method provided McClure et al. (2019) with a compatible advantage in national level in the provision of accurate occupational information for this occupation which is at risk of cancer and ease of analyzing the cases. This source aid to explain that the firefighting occupation is at higher risk of cancer than any profession due to their working environment.

Groot and Copes (2019) outlines the evidence about health hazards on firefighters when exposed to wildland fire both short term and long-term effects. Short term exposure affects lungs functioning and may lead to hypertension and traumatic stress in the long term. Groot and Copes (2019) further indicated how exposure to wildfire results to clinical impacts like respiratory diseases since they are exposed to smoke and violent radiations. The authors also continue in presenting reports on how that wildland firefighter works for long hours than structural firefighters hence more prolonged exposure to smoke and extreme heat. The author analyses data from different articles to be more accurate on his conclusion. The risks associated with wildfire depends on the protective factors of the firefighters. However, there was minimal evidence to support cancer risks in wildland firefighting. The evidence related to the relationship between wildfire and respiratory problems was sufficient. Groot and Copes (2019) research study helps to understand the health impacts the wildland firefighters are exposed to while carrying their daily duties.

As mentioned above, firefighters are required to respond to any fire emergencies at a moment notice; hence, their physical and mental health is the key to public safety. They are vulnerable to injuries and diseases in their encounter with their occupation activities; thus, the increase of cancer risks among firefighters. According to Jahnke et al. (2012), firefighters undergo various health risk apart from cancer for example psychological stress due to repeated exposure to trauma, injuries and disrupted sleep and dangers of other infectious diseases. In the pro-con side, there are no well-laid measures to ensure their health wellness as these risks are concerned. Jahnke et al. (2012) highlight the need to address epidemiological surveillance of the occupation and providing them with innovative health services to reduce the risks they are exposed to with the help of the rapidly improving technology.

In a further systematic review of related work of literature, Petersen et al. (2018) conclude that firefighters are at a higher risk to develop cancer of any kind. Among the risks they face includes melanoma of the skin, prostate, and testicular cancer in comparison to the rest of the population. Compared to firefighters, military employees may develop cancer due to their lifestyle. Therefore, a firefighting career should be well catered for in terms of medication and mental supported. Also, diagnosis is required from time to time to lower the cancer risks among them.

References

CDC.gov. (2016). Finding from a Study of Cancer among U.S. Fire Fighters. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pgms/worknotify/pdfs/ff-cancer-factsheet-final-508.pdf

ClinicalTrials.gov. (2019). Prostate Cancer Risk in Firefighters. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03893123

Dow, M., Kunz, K., Garis, L., & Thomas, L. (2015). Firefighters and Cancer: Understanding Risk Factors in an Environment of Change. https://www.ufv.ca/media/assets/criminal-justice-research/Firefighters-and-Cancer.pdf

Groot, E., Caturay, A., Khan, Y., & Copes, R. (2019). A systematic review of the health impacts of occupational exposure to wildland fires. International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health. https://doi-org.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01326

Jahnke, S. A., Poston, W. S., Jitnarin, N., & Haddock, C. K. (2012). Health concerns of the U.S. fire service: perspectives from the firehouse. American Journal of Health Promotion, 27(2), 111-118. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.4278/ajhp.110311-QUAL-109

McClure, L. A., Koru-Sengul, T., Hernandez, M. N., Mackinnon, J. A., Schaefer Solle, N., Caban-Martinez, A. J., ... Kobetz, E. (2019). Availability and accuracy of occupation in cancer registry data among Florida firefighters. PLoS ONE, (4). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgov&AN=edsgcl.584059781&site=eds-live&scope=site

Petersen, K. K. U., Pedersen, J. E., Bonde, J. P., Ebbehoej, N. E., & Hansen, J. (2018). Long-term follow-up for cancer incidence in a cohort of Danish firefighters. Occup Environ Med, 75(4), 263-269. http://dx.doi.org.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/10.1136/oemed-2017-104660

Ulfsson, B. (2018). Researchers find firefighters face up to the triple risk of cancer. https://www.ctif.org/news/researchers-find-firefighters-face-triple-risk-cancer