Cancer Incidence in Florida Professional Firefighters, 1981 to 1999

Abstract

Firefighting may be associated with an increased risk of selected site-specific cancers in males and females, including an overall increased cancer risk in female firefighters.

Registry‐based case–control study of cancer in California firefighters

“…The analysis, using a larger number of incident cancer cases in firefighters than any other study, has provided confirmation of some existing hypotheses about occupational cancers of firefighters. Most notably the analysis supports previous results that firefighting may be associated with cancers of the testes [Bates et al, 2001;Stang et al, 2003;Ma et al, 2006], prostate [Grimes et al, 1991;Demers et al, 1994] and brain [Vena and Fiedler, 1987;Grimes et al, 1991;Demers et al, 1992;Aronson et al, 1994;Burnett et al, 1994], and melanoma of the skin [Sama et al, 1990;Bates et al, 2001]. There is also evidence of an association with esophageal cancer and possibly leukemia.…”

“…Mortality studies have suggested firefighters may be at risk for, in particular, brain, bladder and colo-rectal cancers, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and malignant melanoma [Howe and Burch, 1990;Golden et al, 1995;Guidotti, 1995;Haas et al, 2003;LeMasters et al, 2006]. More recent studies examining cancer incidence in firefighters have suggested increased risks for testicular and thyroid cancers, cancers with low fatality rates, may also occur [Bates et al, 2001;Stang et al, 2003;Ma et al, 2006].…”

The Linear No-Threshold Relationship Is Inconsistent with Radiation Biologic and Experimental Data

“…The atomic bombs released far greater levels of nonradioactive toxins and caused burns, with chronic inflammation being potentially carcinogenic. Firefighters have increased cancer risks, suggesting that inhalation of carcinogenic and toxic compounds brings an occupational cancer risk (110)(111)(112)(113)(114)(115).…”

Comparison of Urinary PAHs among Firefighters and Asphalt Pavers

“…For instance, Hanson 1990 [5] suggested an association between firefighters and lung cancer, but it is a singular finding among 12 other studies that find no increase in risk for lung cancer among firefighters [6]- [17]. Another occupational group that may have substantive PAH exposure is asphalt laying workers.…”