New Study: Firefighters Exposed to Greater Risk of Cancer

A new study has shown that the number of cancer related death for firefighters of the age 75 or under are three times higher compared to the general population in the UK.
A unique and one-of-a-kind study by experts in University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have discovered that firefighters were more likely to have absorbed dangerous toxins from fire particles that can cause cancer through their skin rather than inhaling them.

Dangerous Particulates
The toxins known as "Particulates" are caused by the thick black smoke while combustion is taking place in a fire incidents. These smoke particles are extremely dangerous and harmful when inhaled, but research has shown that these Particulates tend to stick to objects and can cause contamination and indirect respiratory issues.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has responded to the study and has shared that the findings are "Shocking" and is possibly due to the inadiquate cleaning of the firefighters clothing after attending a fire scene.

Anna Stec, professor of fire chemistry and toxicity at UCLan, said: "We have found that contaminated clothing and equipment is causing firefighters to be exposed to alarmingly high amounts of dangerous chemicals, which puts them at a greater risk of cancer.
Firefighters could also extensively be exposed to harmful gasses during fire incidents, it seems that before this study no other research have raised any attention concerning the long term health risks of firefighters.