Action demand to protect firefighters from cancer risk

FIREFIGHTERS face a huge increased risk of cancer, research has found, as politicians have called for more to be done to protect them.

- CHRIS HAINES

Senedd members called for annual health checks for firefighters in Wales, with a study showing instances of cancer are up to 323% higher than the general population.

Firefighters serving 15 years or more were almost twice as likely to develop cancer than those who served less time, a report has found.

Plaid Cymru MS Luke Fletcher led a Senedd debate saying: "The dangers our firefighters face do not end once the flames are out. Fire creates a cocktail of toxic chemicals that are known to increase the risk of cancers and other life-threatening illnesses."

The Plaid Cymru politician pointed to research commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union, showing firefighters aged 35 to 39 faced an age-specific cancer rate up to 323% higher.

Mr Fletcher said: "Firefighters serving 15 years or more were almost twice as likely to develop cancer than those who served less time."