Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
Richmond Firefighter Jonathan Clarke alleges companies like 3M, Chemours and Honeywell knew turnout gear contained cancer-linked “forever chemicals” but hid the danger
Several organizations, including FireRescue1, have been recognized for their efforts to boost enrollment in the registry
Fire-focused federal programs face closures, furloughs and funding gaps as essential disaster response continues
How a simple question — “Can you paint our engine pink?” — led to a powerful campaign for firefighters
Personal reflections on diagnosis, support systems, treatment, recovery and the path ahead
Firefighters are protected from hidden station hazards with direct exhaust capture, air purification and real-time monitoring
The national database aims to close the gap in firefighter cancer research
After Allentown Firefighter Jeff Tomczak died of pancreatic cancer, his wife and IAFF leaders urge legislators to fund comprehensive screenings, remove PFAS from gear and foam and pass bipartisan protections
The state is backing research into firefighting and cancer, citing 9/11-scale exposure concerns and developing stronger protections for crews battling wildfires near cities
After reporting on smoke-linked illnesses and pressure from lawmakers, the agency will stock and provide N95s for light use, while still barring masks during arduous work
South Lockport Fire Company flags 9/11-linked cancer risks, providing coverage and stressing screening and decontamination to curb PFAS and smoke exposure
Ahead of the attacks’ 24th anniversary, the department engraved 39 newly fallen members, bringing post-9/11 illness losses to more than 400
With cancer a leading cause of firefighter deaths, PFAS in gear is under scrutiny as lawsuits, bans and new standards push for safer alternatives
The CAPE toolkit provides videos and training materials to help firefighters implement cancer prevention best practices
Lab finds high PFAS in Quincy’s “PFAS-free” turnout as IAFF urges independent checks
Without protective equipment, wildland firefighters will continue to pay the price with their health
Stay current on NIOSH program layoffs, the status of the National Fire Academy and changes to FEMA
Forward-thinking leaders must champion engineered approaches that reduce risks and build healthier fire service careers
Researchers found higher cancer mortality overall, with prostate and colorectal risks rising with tenure and lung cancer emerging only after 30 years of follow-up
Partnering with Lucid Diagnostics, Allentown covered EsoGuard testing under department insurance and screened 117 firefighters
With support from the Minneapolis Fire Foundation, five stations have installed saunas aimed at flushing out toxins after fires
With research linking firefighting to elevated melanoma rates, Mt. Lebanon firefighters underwent free dermatology checks to catch early signs of cancer
University of Arizona researchers found PFAS exposure may alter microRNAs, triggering early biological changes that could help guide future prevention strategies
Detailing simple steps to reduce exposures and improve long-term health
Active and retired Scranton firefighters are undergoing preventative esophageal cancer screenings, thanks to a partnership between Local 60 IAFF and Lucid Diagnostics
Backed by new state legislation and a partnership with Fire-Dex and Milliken, the East Providence Fire Department is using PFAS-free gear to reduce cancer risks
California lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban PFAS from firefighter turnout gear by 2027, citing cancer risks and the lasting environmental impact of the so-called “forever chemicals”
More than 460 former CDC employees are being brought back after layoffs that gutted public health programs, including those tackling infectious disease, air quality and workplace safety
Murray County fire departments are testing SoyFoam, a PFAS-free foam made from soy flour and distributed by the state’s soybean research council
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- National Firefighter Registry for Cancer goes offline following NIOSH layoffs
- Mass. FD’s ‘PFAS-free’ gear fails lab test, shows high toxic levels
- U.S. Forest Service reverses course, issues masks to wildland firefighters but keeps ban in place
- Legislators launch bipartisan effort to save 9/11 health program from Trump administration cuts
- When talking about reducing cancer in firefighters, where is CAFS?