A Norwich firefighter equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), exits a building filled with heavy smoke. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH – According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month and learning more about firefighter's cancer risk is important to know and what can be done to reduce the risk.

Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer when compared to the general population.

The City of Norwich Fire Department Chief Jan Papelino said much of the increase is due to the by-products which are present during a fire from all the plastics and synthetic materials present in most homes and businesses today. 

As a result, he said firefighters are exposed to soot and particulate  matter,  comprised of  polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds and acidic gases and can also be exposed to other cancer-causing agents such as asbestos and diesel exhaust.

Papelino said, "Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and wearing it when required and properly, is a key step in reducing the potential exposure to carcinogens."

He said Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), the airpacks firefighters wear, are key to assuring firefighters do not inhale the by-products and particulate matter from the combustion process of the plastics and synthetic products in residences and businesses.