Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
Dr. Kenny Fent, NFR team lead, details this massive project to better understand occupational cancer among firefighters
State legislators are considering funding to help fire departments replace PFAS-laden PPE, as evidence links the toxic chemicals to cancer risks
The road to PFAS-free PPE is paved with good intentions but full of unknowns
Zoneton Fire Protection District Chief Robert Orkies, 55, was a more than 36-year fire service veteran and had been diagnosed with cancer shortly before contracting the virus
How firefighters can limit exposure to diesel exhaust emissions and diesel particulate matter
Zoneton Fire Protection District Chief Rob Orkies was diagnosed with cancer shortly before he contracted the virus
Funds will be used for ongoing research to determine how to better protect volunteer firefighters from cancer-causing agents
Deputy Chief David Windrow relays his experience overcoming cancer and explains how leadership can support members during such a vulnerable time
How to develop a comprehensive firefighter rehab program and build your response team
Wellesley Firefighter Joanie Cullinan was awarded for her contributions to raising awareness about occupational cancer; the organization she volunteers with received a $5,000 donation from the foundation
Portage Station No. 2 includes gender-neutral locker and shower facilities, on-site training space and “clean” rooms to help prevent cross-contamination
In addition to one-time payments upon diagnosis, firefighters will also receive $12,000 per year for medical expenses
The Mesquite (Texas) Fire Department focused on turnout gear additions and cleaning, SCBA scrubbing and exhaust removal
Detailing the diagnosis process, plus the ‘lightbulb’ moment about underestimating the number of toxic fires we face
Hackensack Firefighter Rich Kubler, 53, died from stage 4 liver cancer on Saturday after more than 20 years of service
Mansfield Firefighter-Paramedic Michael McLaughlin, 39, died Saturday after a long battle with the disease
Akron Fire Lt. Russell Brode, former president of IAFF Local 330, is remembered as an advocate for firefighter safety
Tucson Fire Department Captain Jacki deHaro had battled an aggressive form of lung cancer
Lavender Ribbon Report details how to mitigate exposure to carcinogens through proper decontamination practices
In this episode, host Marc Bashoor speaks with Fire Chief (ret.) Todd LeDuc about the top three health issues facing firefighters: cardiac issues, cancer and behavioral health challenges
Capt. R.A. Furiosi of the William Walker Hose Company died from cancer, and was honored by local first responders
Fire officers must be aware and vigilant of both issues as we provide professional and caring leadership in our departments
The IPSDI app will allow firefighters a simple way to document scene exposure, and have it available during workers’ compensation claims for occupational health conditions
Prevent exposure to toxins by developing decon processes and cleaning apparatus interiors
The $11.5 million facility was built in a location to avoid traffic and includes a transitional storage and shower area for decontamination
The bill will help fund equipment, supplies and training to help reduce exposure to cancer-causing contaminants
Emilee Derrer, whose father is a fire captain and whose mother is an EMT, received a ‘Pink Heals’ surprise celebration at her home
Albuquerque Firefighter Laurianna Sargent discovered she is not covered under the state’s presumptive cause bill because she was diagnosed after age 40
Some perspective on dirty gear, PFAS and PFOA exposure, and what we can do to protect ourselves from occupational cancer
Each approach has been around for years, but is their combination the key to limiting firefighters’ exposure to cancer-causing agents?
Money had previously been reported missing from a fundraising benefit to honor of a retired firefighter who died from cancer
Michelle Phay says her husband Firefighter David Phay had asked her to bring awareness to the issue before his death from a rare disease in 2018
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- Fireground environment, not turnout gear, provides carcinogen exposure risk
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- IAFF takes on PFAS in firefighter gear by hiring lawyers, releasing documentary
- IAFF, Metro Chiefs issue joint statement about turnout gear PFAS risks