Firefighters are known for their bravery and selflessness in the face of danger, putting their lives on the line every day to protect their communities. However, firefighting is a dangerous profession that comes with many risks, including the risk of cancer. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than the general population due to exposure to smoke, soot, and other carcinogens on the job.
To address this issue, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) hosted the International Firefighter Cancer Symposium in Miami in March. The symposium brought together firefighters, researchers, and industry experts to discuss the latest research and best practices for reducing cancer risk in the firefighting profession. Among the attendees was Jerry Schneiberg, co-managing partner at NRS Injury Law.
As a workers' compensation lawyer with a long history of advocating for the rights of injured workers, Jerry Schneiberg understands the importance of promoting firefighter safety on the job.
At the symposium, attendees discussed a variety of topics related to firefighter cancer prevention and treatment, including:
- Best practices for reducing exposure to carcinogens on the job, such as proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures
- The latest research on the link between firefighting and cancer, including studies on the types of cancer most commonly seen in firefighters and the biological mechanisms that may contribute to cancer development
- Strategies for promoting cancer screening and early detection among firefighters
- Legal and policy issues related to firefighter cancer, such as workers' compensation and disability claims
At NRS Injury Law, we are proud to support the firefighting community and to work alongside organizations like the IAFF to promote firefighter safety and well-being. We believe that all first responders deserve the highest level of protection and support as they work to keep our communities safe.
If you are a firefighter who has been diagnosed with cancer or other occupational illness, or if you have lost a loved one to occupational disease, we are here to help. Call NRS Injury Law today at 855.468.4878, or fill out our online contact form.
Sources:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2022). Firefighters and cancer https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/
International Association of Fire Fighters. (2023). International Firefighter Cancer Symposium. https://www.iaff.org/
