In ongoing research with the University of Central Lancashire, which the union commissioned, it is thought that fire contaminants can cause cancer rates amongst firefighters to be up to four times higher than the general population.

As well as commissioning the research into the links between the occupation of firefighting and cancer and disease, the union had previously produced training in this area. The new developments at conference mean it will now fight to see best practice on contamination expanded throughout the Fire Service, including via national guidance, contaminants monitoring, cancer screening, fire station design principles and more.

The union also voted to expand the research to take into account research studies and reports suggesting that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are hazardous to health.

 

Read the full article on our digital issue, page 14-15.

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up to FIRE magazine today from just £35 per year.