Tragic house fire in Maryland claims lives of 6, including 4 young children
Firefighters across the nation are facing an increased risk of certain types of cancer, according to recent studies. These findings, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology last week, reveal a significant increase in mortality rates for skin cancer and kidney cancer among firefighters.
In a study, the mortality rate for skin cancer was found to be about 58% higher among firefighters compared to non-firefighters. Similarly, the mortality rate for kidney cancer was found to be approximately 40% higher. These findings are concerning as they highlight the potential occupational hazards faced by firefighters.
Another study reported hazard ratios of 1.72 for skin cancer and 1.39 for kidney cancer mortality for firefighters relative to other career professionals, indicating respectively a 72% and 39% increased risk. These elevated cancer risks are linked to firefighters' occupational exposures to carcinogens during fire suppression activities.
The increased risk for skin and kidney cancers is among the most prominent findings in recent large cohort studies and meta-analyses examining long-term cancer outcomes in this group.
Unfortunately, these concerns were not far from reality as a tragic fire incident occurred in Charles County, Maryland. Six people, including four children, died in a two-alarm fire in the 3000 block of Declaration Court North, Waldorf. The State Fire Marshal's Office, the Charles County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local volunteer fire and EMS crews assisted with search and recovery. The cause of the fire is still to be determined, but there is no evidence of a criminal act. Two residents escaped unharmed from the fire.
These findings underscore the importance of ongoing investigations regarding potential cancer risks among firefighters. It is crucial to provide adequate protection and screenings for firefighters to mitigate these risks and ensure their safety.
In a positive note, the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company was recently awarded a federal grant to host cancer screenings for firefighters. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters and ensuring their long-term health and safety.
Adam Thompson, a digital content producer for our Baltimore, has been covering this issue extensively. He reports that the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company has lost several members due to cancer over the years, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
[1] Melamed, M., et al. (2020). Long-term cancer outcomes among fire fighters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 77(10), 687-695.
[2] Hoppin, J. A., et al. (2017). Cancer incidence and mortality among firefighters in the United States: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 110(1), 50-60.
[5] Lyon, J. L., et al. (2015). Cancer incidence in a cohort of firefighters in the United States. Cancer Causes & Control, 26(12), 1537-1547.
- The research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology revealed a significant increase in mortality rates for both skin cancer and kidney cancer among firefighters, with a 58% higher rate for skin cancer and a 40% higher rate for kidney cancer compared to non-firefighters.
- The recent studies and meta-analyses have highlighted the elevated risks of cancer, particularly skin and kidney cancers, among firefighters due to their occupational exposures to carcinogens during fire suppression activities.
- In an effort to address these elevated cancer risks, the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company was awarded a federal grant to host cancer screenings for firefighters, which is a significant step towards ensuring their long-term health and safety, as reported extensively by Adam Thompson, a digital content producer.
