Firefighter Cancer
The cancer resource page features news, information, videos, podcasts and feature articles about this massive health issue facing the fire service.
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
The Hattiesburg Fire Department raised $1,400 for Harlie Williams, 8, who was the recipient of their annual No Shave November fundraiser
FDNY EMT Felipe Torre , 54, succumbed to Ground Zero-related gall bladder cancer while under hospice care
To improve the health of Boynton Beach’s first responders, the city plans to install exhaust removal systems inside five fire stations
Consider your station’s unique needs to plan for appropriate PPE storage that prevents contamination
A judge ruled in favor of firefighter Homer Salinas after the city insurance carrier refused to cover treatment costs for his kidney cancer
Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department firefighter Jesse McCullough died after battling cancer since 2017
The Woodlands Fire Department is seeking options for enhanced cancer screenings for firefighters as cancer becomes more prevalent in the profession
To help firefighters decrease their risk of cancer, Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is giving decontamination kits to every station in Florida
The Montana State Firemen’s Association is pushing to get a health and safety bill passed that would give firefighters financial coverage if they get cancer
Firefighter-EMT Vicki Kalmar was diagnosed with a fast-progressing form of Stage 3 cervical cancer in May and is currently undergoing her first rounds of treatment
An initial study of turnout gear by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that the turnout gear samples were “loaded with fluorine”
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
MOST POPULAR
- Walking the walk: How FDs are setting the example to cure ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome’
- Photo of the Week: Driving up fire safety and cancer awareness in Indiana
- Conn. firefighter, cancer patient calls attention to PFAS
- Wis. boy, 10, with cancer becomes honorary firefighter
- Firefighters focus on clean air, bodies and gear to try to cut cancer risk