Firefighter
Carcinogen Group ( IARC ) Cancer site ( if known )
Acetaldehyde 2B n/a
Arsenic 1 angiosarcoma ( liver ) , lung , skin
Asbestos 1 mesothelioma and other lung cancers , larynx , gastrointestinal
Benz ( a ) anthracene 2B n/a
Benzene 1 leukemia
Benzo ( b ) fluoranthene 2B n/a
Benzo ( k ) fluoranthene 2B n/a
Benzofuran 2B n/a
Benzo ( a ) pyrene 1 bladder , lung , skin
1,3-Butadiene 1 lymphohematopoietic
Cadmium 1 lung
Carbon black 2B n/a
Chrysene 2B n/a
Dibenz ( a , h ) anthracene 2A n/a
Dichloromethane 2B n/a
Ethylbenzene 2B n/a
Formaldehyde 1 nasopharynx
Furan 2B n/a
Indeno-1,2,3- ( cd ) pyrene 2B n/a
Isoprene 2B n/a
Occupational health and safety -- Long-term risks
Smoke can expose firefighters to a variety of carcinogens A 2015 retrospective longitudinal study showed that firefighters are at higher risk for certain types of cancer . Firefighters had mesothelioma , which is caused by asbestos exposure , at twice the rate of the non-firefighting working population . Younger firefighters ( under age 65 ) also developed bladder cancer and prostate cancer at higher rates than the general population . The risk of bladder cancer may be present in female firefighters , but research is inconclusive as of 2014 . [ 33 ] [ 34 ] Preliminary research from 2015 on a large cohort of US firefighters showed a direct relationship between the number of hours spent fighting fires and lung cancer and leukemia mortality in firefighters . This link is a topic of continuing research in the medical community , as is cancer mortality in general among firefighters . [ 35 ] Firefighters are exposed to a variety of carcinogens at fires , including both carcinogenic chemicals and radiation ( alpha radiation , beta radiation , and gamma radiation ) . [ 36 ]
A firefighter is a rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property and the environment as well as to rescue people and animals from dangerous situations. The complexity of modern, industrialized life has created an increase in the skills needed in firefighting technology. The fire service, also known in some countries as the fire brigade or fire department, is one of the three main emergency services. From urban areas to aboard ships, firefighters have become ubiquitous around the world. The skills required for safe operations are regularly practiced during training evaluations throughout a firefighter's career. Initial firefighting skills are normally taught through local, regional or state-approved fire academies or training courses. Depending on the requirements of a department, additional skills and certifications such as technical rescue and pre-hospital medicine may also be acquired at this time. Firefighters work closely with other emergency response agencies such as the police and emergency medical service. A firefighter's role may overlap with both. Fire investigators or fire marshals investigate the cause of a fire. If the fire was caused by arson or negligence, their work will overlap with law enforcement. Firefighters also frequently provide some degree of emergency medical service, in addition to working with full-time paramedics.