Scottish firefighters face higher cancer risks, study finds

A study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) has discovered the cancer mortality rates amongst Scottish firefighters are 1.6 times higher than their general population.

Experts found frequent exposure to toxic substances was likely to be the reason behind their findings and Riccardo la Torre, Fire Brigades Union National Officer, said the study ‘should horrify the fire services and the government.’ 

The report, released today, referred to data from the National Records of Scotland which found the number of firefighters who have died from prostate cancer was 3.8 times higher than the general population, 3.2 times higher for leukaemia and 2.4 times higher for oesophageal cancer.

Cancer of the oesophagus can be caused from ingesting too many dangerous toxins and this may have occurred when firefighters have eaten food with contaminated hands or swallowed mucus that is paved with fire effluent.

Mortality rates from leukaemia are linked to exposure to other chemicals such as benzene, a highly flammable liquid, from contact with skin or inhalation.

Lead by Professor Anna Stec, the study included firefighters aged between 30 and 74, making up a total of 672 participants. Their findings also looked at mortality figures between 2000 and 2020.

Experts unveiled firefighters appeared to have higher cancer rates at from a younger age and were too young to be offered a screening on the NHS.

Ms Stec, Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity at UCLAN, said: ‘It’s important that firefighters can continue to do their jobs as safely as possible, and the research shows that measures such as health monitoring and reducing exposure from contaminants at the workplace will play an important part in protecting firefighters.’

Due to this research – which was published today – Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Officer, Andy Watt, claimed the institution would review the findings, stating staff safety is ‘paramount’.

Mr Watt said: ‘The service has already undertaken work to minimise the risk of contaminants for our staff. This includes a substantial review of how fire appliances, personnel and PPE are decontaminated during and following an incident.

‘All fire appliances and training centres have been provided with specialist decontamination wipes, we have trialled station zoning systems to limit potential spread and our standard medical tests involve enhances cancer screening options.’

Despite cancer risks becoming increased in firefighters, researchers noted a downtrend in the number of cancer deaths in Scotland, citing an increasing availability of lifesaving measures like early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Additionally, the beginning of this year saw new figures from the NHS show a record number of cancer patients had been treated in 2022 despite waiting lists hitting the longest ever.

The study has been published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine.

Photo by Jay Heike