1. Cancer and the Fire Department
All departments can and should be addressing this issue for the good of all the members. Firefighter’s safety is the first priority when responding to an incident. We seem to be ignoring firefighter’s safety because we are not addressing the issue of CANCER and our members.
With all the data available about cancer and a host of possible procedures to mitigate a firefighters chances of not contacting cancer, one would think that all fire departments would be looking to protect their members from such a devastating disease.

2. Cancer and the Fire Department
There is credible scientific evidence that firefighters develop certain cancers in higher percentages than the general public.
Multiple cancer studies have repeatedly demonstrated credible evidence and biologic creditability for statistically higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population including:
Testicular cancer (2.02 times greater risk)
Multiple myeloma (1.53 times greater risk)
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1.51 times greater risk)
Skin cancer (1.39 times greater risk)
Brain cancer (1.31 times greater risk)
Prostate cancer (1.28 times greater risk)
Colon cancer (1.21 times greater risk)
Leukemia (1.14 times greater risk)
The IAFF LODD statistics show that by the age of 60, twice as many firefighters die from cancer than cardiac arrest.
Firefighters are more than 2.2 times likely to develop testicular cancer compared to the general population.

3. Cancer and the Fire Department
Rarely discussed and certainly not documented is the impact on the family of a firefighter diagnosed with cancer including the huge emotional toll, financial costs, time, and decreased quality of life not only for the firefighter but on the spouse/partner and children.
The connection between firefighting and cancer is real, and there is scientific data to support our position. But we cannot stop there we must continue to learn more so we can prevent our members from contracting this horrible disease and help them if they do.”
— Harold Schaitburger
IAFF

4. Cancer and the Fire Department

5. Cancer and the Fire Department
The following points and suggestions are meant to inform all members that there are recommended procedures we can apply to all firefighting activities that can be a help to ourselves when it comes to contacting cancer, Following is a list of some suggestions we should all be aware of and also some new procedures that have been identified to help with the process.

6. Cancer and the Fire Department
Do gross field decon of PPE to remove as much soot and particulates as possible.

7. Cancer and the Fire Department
Cancer caused by smoking is now accepted by the general public. Lets fix this problem now.
Cancer has been identified as a fire service issue that is only getting worse due to the new materials being manufactured and burning.
Failure to properly use PPE & SCBA’s has been identified as an entry route into the body.
FF’s PPE will off gas for 45 minutes.
Do not wear PPE in rehab. Remember off gassing
Use baby wipes or Wet Naps. Can get them in large sheets.
When removing your PPE use rubber gloves. Try and keep your hands clean at all times.
When entering rehab clean your hands, face & neck and do not touch your face, If possible try not to wear your PPE in rehab.
Some departments issue FF’s a clean hood when they leave rehab.
Some departments are experimenting with disposable hoods

8. Cancer and the Fire Department
Provide all interior members with two hoods.
Provide all interior firefighters with 2 complete sets of bunker gear.
Physical fitness and healthy eating habits will help firefighters remain in good shape.
Have all members receive annual physicals and cancer checks during those physicals
Yearly medical exams will provide data for insurance companies if a FF gets cancer. Without data, coverage may be denied.
Implement and maintain exposure reports. Again, without data, coverage may be denied.
More than 60% of occupational LODD’s are due to cancer, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
Possible new data, when completed, may suggest that firefighters in close proximity of the incident, that typically do not wear SCBA may be working in the contaminated area with cancer causing toxins.

9. Cancer and the Fire Department
400%
This is how much more absorptive your skin can be with every 5°F skin-temperature increase. So during and after a fire, the carcinogens known to be present in soot
aren’t just sitting there – they’re soaking in. And the hotter you are, the more carcinogens your skin absorbs.
I think it has now become incumbent upon the leaders of the fire service to embrace, understand, teach and mandate to there members information we now know that is capabil of helping firefighters protect themselves from the ravages of Cancer. If the Chief officers support proven methods to help prevent Cancer the rank and file will also accept these new procedures to help save our lives.
Respectfully,
Ted R. Kolb, Past Deputy Chief
The Kolb Website
April 02, 2017
Contributing information:
IAFC, IAFF, FASNY, NVFC, ACS, NFFFF, CFFSN / Thank You