Union launches cancer testing for London firefighters

Nearly 300 firefighters are participating by providing blood and urine samples to be analysed for the number of biomarkers of cancers and other diseases, and toxic chemicals. The results will be used to detect cancers and other diseases at the early stages, and to identify evidence linking occupational cancers with exposure to toxic fire chemicals.  

The London Fire Brigade is working with the FBU and UCLan to facilitate the testing. 

This follows recently released publications, finding that incidence of cancer among UK firefighters aged 35-39 is up to 323% higher than in the general population in the same age category. 

This testing project is the first of its kind to take place for firefighters in the UK following the recent World Health Organisation announcement that occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic. London follows the launch of the testing in Tyne and Wear and Greater Manchester, with the project seeking to test 1,000 firefighters in total across United Kingdom.    

Riccardo la Torre, FBU national officer said, "With this vital research, firefighters are taking action to address the serious health risks they face at work. Following decades of government and employers’ inaction, firefighters have had enough and are driving forwards the protections we need to stop preventable deaths.  

"This research must be a wake-up call to our employers: we urgently need UK-wide regular health monitoring to catch occupational diseases early and save firefighters’ lives. This project is a good start, but now we need employers and the government to show up and take responsibility.” 

"Firefighters have made this research possible, but now we need employers to take this seriously across the board. These diseases are preventable and treatable – it’s high time they were prevented and treated.” 

Anna Stec, professor in fire chemistry and toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire said, "I am really pleased that London Fire Brigade supports and recognises importance of this project.  
 
“It is widely accepted that firefighters are dying from rare cancers up to 15-20 years earlier than the general public. Some of these cancers and other diseases are detected too late, with low chances of recovery. Measures such as health monitoring will go a long way to ensuring that firefighters can be properly protected.”

London fire commissioner, Andy Roe said, “Our firefighters must be as safe as possible at work and we’re pleased to support this research project to improve the fire and rescue sector’s understanding of the impact of contaminant exposure to firefighters over the course of their careers. 

“We have come a long way in understanding and protecting staff from the hazards they face undertaking their jobs, but this is only possible if we continue to research the risks and the effects they may have.”