Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
USC research estimates retardant use has released 850,000 pounds of these chemicals into the environment since 2009
In 2024 16 states adopted 22 PFAS-related measures
Mold, cracks, age and a lack of funding make it difficult for fire departments to stay healthy
The city filed suit in 2017 to dispute a judge’s decision that firefighter Carrie Stewart should receive workers’ compensation after her cancer diagnosis
Over 1,000 firefighters and members of the FDNY have been diagnosed with forms of cancer, respiratory problems or other 9/11-related illnesses
Protect, clean and decontaminate with products that meet the highest standards
Jimmy Martinez, a World Trade Center and Hurricane Sandy first responder, died after a long battle with bone marrow cancer
Each kit includes a 5-gallon bucket, detergents, scrub brushes, hoses and spray bottles to help first responders wash soot from their gear
Measuring the irritants and cancer-causing contaminates present in structure fires proves SCBA should be used even when carbon monoxide levels are deemed acceptable
The ruling means Will Willis’ family will receive full benefits offered to any other firefighter who died in the line of duty
The law means medical treatments and time off due to their illness will be covered for all firefighters diagnosed with cancer
Learn about common cancer-causing agents firefighters face and the importance of wearing proper PPE
The bills were signed in honor of firefighter Victor Breeden, who lost his battle with cancer that he got from inhaling dangerous toxins
The Centers for Disease Control will track cancer rates among firefighters for the next five years
Researchers are investigating whether Seattle Fire Department Station 31 firefighters were diagnosed with cancer at higher rates than other firefighters
The family of Margaret Roberts, a 21-year fire veteran who died of cancer, is fighting with the city of Houston about whether her cancer was caused by her career
Mileena Painter, who is battling leukemia, will soon receive hundreds of patches that have been collected from all over the world
Assistant Chief Ronald Spadafora helped lead rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero, and died of toxins he was exposed to
The legislation calls for the creation of an anonymous, voluntary registry for firefighters that includes medical history and career details
The Carney Strong Initiative donated packages that included gear-cleaning solution and health supplements to the Goose Creek Fire Department
Buffalo Grove officials said they aim to overturn a ruling that granted Kevin Hauber’s benefits to his family after he died of job-related colon cancer
Spring Fire Department firefighter Matthew Corso was able to beat cancer four months into treatment after an abnormality was found on his LifeScan ultrasound
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue firefighter John Swobody died after a years-long battle with lung cancer
A firefighters’ union launched a health and safety committee to tackle issues such as cancer and other health concerns firefighters face on the job
Changing the way we approach on-scene firefighter rehab can help protect firefighters from exposure to carcinogens while removing their PPE
The gear dryer, designed by Pvt. Scott Martin, cuts drying time from several hours to approximately 45 minutes, officials said
By taking the right steps, firefighters can reduce their exposure to unnecessary risks that may jeopardize their personal health
In an effort to reduce the risk of firefighter cancer, the Senate voted to spend $420,000 to help departments buy extractors that will help remove carcinogens
The family of Kevin Hauber, who died in January after a battle with colon cancer, will receive his annual salary of $101,000 unless the decision is appealed
The bill introduced by Rep. Chris Collins would create a national registry of firefighters who get cancer
Understand your specific needs and how they align with existing requirements and vendor claims to identify the right solution to remove contaminants from turnout gear
Gwen Le Tutour ran back and forth from two stations and completed 100 miles in 28 hours and 43 minutes without stopping
Three cancers – cervical, ovarian and penile – were added to the list of cancers presumed to be work-related
