Study shows transitional attack may reduce toxic fireground exposures
Researchers compared firefighters’ exposure to toxins during different fireground tasks and attack types
By now it is difficult to escape the scientific conclusion that firefighting is associated with an increased risk for several types of cancer, but the specifics of how and why are still being researched. Several studies have documented known and suspected fireground carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), benzene, asbestos and styrene, which is not surprising, but attention is now being paid not only to what is present but how it is getting into firefighters’ bodies.