FIREFIGHTING CANCER
“Taking in” a little smoke??
As a firefighter, the outcome of the recent study done by University of Cincinnati (UC) environmental health researchers will BLOW YOU AWAY. Their work-which directly impacts you, has determined that firefighters are significantly much more likely to develop four different types of cancer than workers in other fields.
Surprised? Their findings suggest that the protective equipment such as SCBA’s, masks, turnout clothing etc firefighters have used in the past does not do a good job in protecting us against cancer-causing agents. I mean, did you ever think a little soot on your face or hands is a problem? Is the issue as simple as us using what we have…properly? Wait and listen… Join Through The Smoke Host Chief Billy Goldfeder with his guest, Dr. Grace LeMasters, PhD, from the Univ. of Cincinnati, a leader in this study for a first hand, frank and NO NON-SENSE discussion of these concerns, the past, the present and the future in protecting firefighters….which starts with, but is NOT as simple as all of us WEARNG all of the equipment we are issued…and FIRE OFFICERS enforcing that.
LINKS OF INTEREST FOR THIS WEEKS SHOW:
• University of Cincinnati Cancer Study Press Info
• U.C FF Cancer Article
• IAFF’s Project Hero PPE Program
• Smoke Inhalation Poisoning Study
• Smoke Inhalation Treatment
• Smoke Perceptions, Myths and Understandings
• Fire Smoke & Cyanide
• Firefighter Cancer Support Network
• Firefighter Cancer.org
• Alabama FF’s Dies During Overhaul
• FDNY 3 FF LODD Fire Report
• KEOKUK 3 FF LODD Fire Report
• FDNY (FF BRICK) Fire Report
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Enjoy the show…read the same article about Cancer…also a recent IAFF study claiming 54% of FF LODD’s are related to health, wellness and fitness…another 25% are traffic related or training…how many guys die actually in the act of saving a life or property for that manner…very few…the reality is we love what we do, we enjoy the rush, relish the smell, heat and soot…the only way to really do anything significant about these issues is to stand back, lob some water on an exposure and call a bulldozer to clean-up the mess. What are we saving half the time…nothing an insurance company can’t write a check for. Yet, I don’t see much changing in how we generally do business.
I love “doing it” as much as anyone…I take a shower after every fire, wash off turnouts, wear PPE, drive safely, eat right and exercise…I use the Brunacini Risk Assessment Model and watch out for my guys…we’ve had 8 significant fires in our suburban community in the past 6 weeks…couple of close calls…it’s what we do…thanks for the heads up about the cancer issue…it’s a sleeper to most of us.
We need to address the fitness/wellness issue in a big way also.
By the way…our FD “blocks” on all highway calls with the blessing of the Highway Patrol…it takes good communications and relationships built over lunch to make it work for everyone’s benefit but it can be done.
Thanks again for keeping us informed.
I am glad that there is a doctor that took the time and did this study it makes me glad that people are starting to recognize the other dangers of being a firefighter. Please thank Dr. LeMasters for me for doing this study. What I wonder is my wife is also a firefighter and I was wanting to know if women firefighters are at a greater risk of breast or cervicle cancer, if so how much more?
Thank you for everything you do for us!!!!
Brent Hergert
One of the first things that were drilled into our heads in my fire science degree classes was to always wear SCBA while overhauling anything. It could even be something that is outside and you may not think anything of what is actually burning in front of you that you are inhaling. It could be a car fire, a barn fire, or even something that is laying on the side of the road. If people think anything different of me for putting my SCBA unit on for something that is small and will only require a tiny amount of water that is their problem because I am protecting myself. I have been in the fire service for 13 years and it is amazing just to see how much we have evolved in even that short amount of time. But the bottom line is who is going to watch out for you when you might not be around to watch out for yourself if you dont take the time to put a simple piece of safety equipment on?
I can’t think of any other way to make this any more crystal clear. We need to always wear our PPE and our SCBA’s there is no other way. We are in a dangerous business any anybody who does not use their gear and scba’s better think the way they think. Another great show Chief keep it up!
Thanks for the positive feedback…the response has been great.
We will be having a PART 2 to this show within the next 2 weeks…with both Dr’s and additional special guests.
Thanks so much-seeya soon,
BillyG
thank you for int info we realy enjoy the knolage that you put out
thank you steve
I would lile spme information on the possible cuses of cancer from diesel emmision and benzine. thanks
Its great that you guys are looking out for us. But who’s looking out for the future? I’ve been a Jr. Firefighter for almost 3 years and i used to eat smoke just like the rest of the guys. shouldn’t we do more to prevent the smoke inhalation in not only our selfs but also our the JR. crew thats sitting next to you in the truck? But thank you billy and all the rest of the people here at firehouse.com. stay safe and watch each others back!!!!
thanks for the information its very helpful
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As a person new to the fire service (Less than 1 year) discussions like these are a great asset. because of the last few episodes of “Through the Smoke” I always have air management and personal protection from smoke and soot in the forfront of my thight process during an active fire scene. Thank you and continue with the the freat topics.
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I am really shocked to learn that firefighters are at the risk of four different types of cancers. I really appreciate this research and the researcher Dr. Grace LeMasters with thanks.
Thanks for the information. Ive been fighting wild land fires since 2003 and this study has made me start thinking about all the soot that wild land firefighters can not avoid on their skin and in the airways and all the smoke that is inhaled. I am wondering if the materials burned in a structure fire differ in the cancer risks then the materials burned in wild land fires. Of course plastics are worse, but are wild land firefighters at just as much risk for cancers since they do not have repiratory protection. After a long day of fighting fires and diging hand line I would return back to camp covered with soot and dirt often coughing it out of my airway. Im currently pursuing paramedic school and getting away from the wild land but may return from time to time. It would be nice to have good health coverage for our wild land firefighters in case they do come down with some cancer or illness that way they could get some help in dealing with it. Thanks again. Sincerely Trenton
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