New Study Identifies Chemical Exposures Linked to Breast Cancer Risk for Women Firefighters

A new study published in Toxics has identified several chemical exposures from firefighting that could increase the risk of developing breast cancer among women in the profession.

According to the authors, the majority of research on the connection between cumulative firefighting chemical exposures and the higher cancer incidence among firefighters has primarily focused on men, largely due to their historically greater representation in the firefighter field. To address this research gap and document experiences unique to women firefighters, the authors set out to identify specific chemicals that could elevate breast cancer risk.

The authors examined data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the United States National Toxicology Program to search for chemicals that have been associated with breast cancer in prior animal and human studies. They then reviewed previous studies that have catalogued different chemicals encountered by firefighters when putting out fires, as well as those associated with their gear, workplace, and vehicles.

In their analysis, the authors found a dozen chemicals that have been linked to both breast cancer risk and exposure to fires and firefighting work. These include chemicals found in combustion byproducts, diesel fuel and exhaust, firefighting foams, and flame retardants.

The authors offer several suggestions for steps field leaders and policymakers can take to mitigate the risk of chemical exposure and advocate for women firefighters. These actions include minimizing the use of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing of firefighting equipment, promoting proper decontamination procedures, and designing workers’ compensation laws that recognize breast cancer as a likely occupational disease for firefighters.

The research team included scholars from the Silent Spring Institute in Newton, Massachusetts, Boston University, the University of California, San Francisco, and United Fire Service Women in San Francisco.