Cancer now leading cause of death among firefighters, International Association of Fire Fighters says

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Of all the threats firefighters face at work, the most dangerous is silent in its approach.

Occupational cancer is now the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Cancer accounted for more than 74% of line-of-duty deaths in 2022, according to IAFF. 

"The International Agency on the Research of Cancer just reclassified firefighting in general as a known group one carcinogen. A group one carcinogen is one that causes cancer," Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network (FFCSN) Director of Internal Training Scott Jennie said.

Jennie said manmade building materials, plastics and synthetic chemicals increase the risk of cancer for anyone exposed. 

Studies show a direct correlation between a firefighter's exposure to these chemicals at work and a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from the disease, according to IAFF.

"We're seeing firefighters diagnosed very, very young with very rare cancers," Jennie said.

Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) has felt the effects of the hidden danger.

"We've had a number of individuals on the Milwaukee Fire Department who are no longer working for us, some who are no longer with us, who have died as a result or had to leave the department as a result of an occupational cancer exposure," Deputy Chief Will Kowalski said. 

MFD has policies to protect its staff from cancer risk factors, including washing gear in an industrial washer after each potential exposure, wearing air machines at all times in harmful situations and utilizing an exhaust system.

"I'm concerned," Kowalski said. "We are exposed to many things that no one was completely aware of even 20 years ago."

Kowalski said one of the biggest adjustments over the decades has been to the culture.

"Way, way back it used to be almost a badge of honor to have your gear as dirty as it could be, your helmet as dirty as it could be, and now it's starting to get looked and frowned upon because you are potentially bringing a cancer-causing substance to your coworkers, yourself and possibly even your house," Kowalski said. 

Kowalski said the dangers of the job don't change the passion to serve.

"If we're able to do that to save another life, that's what we signed on to do. That's our passion," Kowalski said.

The public can help mitigate the risks by following fire safety rules. Kowalski said the earlier a fire is detected, the less danger to everyone involved.

IAFF is partnering with FFCSN to declare January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month in hopes of raising awareness and prevention.