Firefighters call for extra protection after new report indicates higher cancer risk

Monday, 30 September 2019 16:33

Firefighters have called for increased protection from harmful chemicals, after new research indicated they were being exposed to dangerously high amounts of toxins and carcinogens.

The call for more extensive protection comes after an investigation revealed firefighters in the UK are twice as likely to die from cancer as the general population.

In their line of work, firefighters are often exposed to high concentrations of harmful toxins and carcinogenic substances which greatly increases their susceptibility to contracting cancer.

Furthermore, researchers have said methods used to clean firefighters' protective clothing and equipment were not effective, causing the gear to remain contaminated with toxins for subsequent uses.

Speaking following the new findings former Bradford firefighter and fire instructor Gerard Hollingworth – who now has cancer of the blood – said: "Looking back, it's now shortened my life.

"We've got firefighters getting cancer on all watches and all stations and things need to be done about it.

"I'm angry after all this time that it's going through Congress in America, yet nothing seems to be happening in the UK."

In response the Home Office said it had supported the National Fire Chiefs Council in establishing a health and wellbeing board focusing on prevention and early intervention.

On the matter a Home Office spokesperson said: "Our firefighters put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe, and it is vital that every possible measure is in place to mitigate the risks they take."

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