Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program

Study of Cancer among United States Firefighters

NIOSH researchers have begun a multi-year study to examine the relationship between firefighting exposures and risk of cancer. This records-based study will include approximately 18,000 current and retired career firefighters from suburban and large city fire departments. The study will provide critical information for the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as they continue to review the carcinogenicity of firefighting.

When complete, the study results and recommendations will be communicated to firefighters with help from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, labor and management from each participating fire department, and other firefighter organizations.

For more information about the study, contact Travis Kubale, Ph.D. or Tom Hales, M.D., M.P.H.