Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor firefighters recently participated in a cancer awareness and screening training course which focused on the unique health challenges and hazards that firefighters face. Cancer has now become the number one cause of death among firefighters nationwide, surpassing heart attacks. Additionally, firefighters have a 14% increased chance of getting cancer and a 9% higher mortality rate than the general population. 

The reasons for this mirror changes over the last 20 years in the materials used to construct our homes and buildings, as well as with the contents in these structures.  Electronics, plastics and other synthetic and man-made materials which are present in virtually everything we own, contain extremely hazardous chemicals which are released when burned.   While firefighters entering burning buildings have extensive personal protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, the gear is not airtight, and consequently gases and residue from these materials are absorbed onto firefighter gear, and on the skin of firefighters.   

Additionally, and much like other states combatting an extensive illicit drug problem, Maine poses other unique challenges in terms of an abundance of illegal marijuana grow facilities, often found in homes and commercial buildings.  Recently, Boothbay Firefighters responded to a structure fire in a residence which was under police surveillance for illegal drug manufacturing.  In addition to the combustion of the drugs, the chemicals used to manufacture illegal drugs can be extremely toxic and dangerous. 

This course, which was led by Steve Bunker from the Maine Fire Protection Services Commission, covered an important range of topics such as the use of proper procedures for decontamination of firefighters and gear at a fire scene, the importance of thoroughly cleaning all gear and trucks, and not cross contaminating the fire station when returning from a scene.  Additionally, firefighters were taken through the requirement of having a complete annual physical, with a focus on cancer health screening and awareness, and the required medical and blood tests to detect early stages of cancer. 

Bunker noted that “Firefighters today face unprecedented health challenges, and regularly encounter chemicals that contain known, carcinogens and chemicals which are very harmful to the human body.  Through education and awareness and taking extra precautions we can help reduce and mitigate the risks that firefighters face.  The Maine Fire Commission is committed to help fire departments throughout Maine through courses such as these to help inform and educate our firefighters” 

Chief David Pratt from Boothbay fire noted “the emerging science around this and medical findings are like bright red flashing lights – we need to take action in the field to keep our firefighters safe and combat these hazards.  This course was a very important foundation and offered pragmatic actions we can take now to make this a safer environment” 

Boothbay Fire also recently implemented an enhanced cancer prevention strategy and operating procedures and is rolling out new health safety equipment as a result of fund-raising efforts such as a decontamination kit on every fire truck, establishing a dedicated and secured room for storing firefighter turnout gear and away from diesel exhaust fumes, and has applied for a grant to help fund a diesel exhaust evacuation system. 

For more information and resources, and how you can help please visit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN)at firefightercancersupport.org