Health Hazards in Firefighters

Kim, Kyoo Sang

Abstract

The work of firefighters is characterized by its danger, urgency, unique work environment, and by its considerable physical requirements. In the process of performing duties such as extinguishing fires, rescuing those in need, and providing relief, they are exposed to increasingly complex psychological, physical, chemical, and biological hazards. Examples of the physical hazards they face include toxic chemicals, heat, infrared rays that are generated by the combustion of certain items, and noise. Previous studies have found that firefighters are more likely to some types of cancers (e.g., brain tumors, cancers of lympatic and hematopoietic systems, and cancers of genitourinar tract), cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases compared to the general public. The findings suggested that the firefighting job plays a key role in the development of those illnesses. Firefighters can also suffer from various types of musculoskeletal disorders due to the heavy equipment they must carry, the distorting body positions that are inevitable in cases of emergency, and the heavy loads that are imposed on their spines when carrying accident victims. In conclusion, there should be systematic, professional, and consistent measures to prevent the accidents and manage the occupational diseases faced by firefighters.