New study firefighters exposed to greater risk of cancer

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New Study: Firefighters Exposed to Greater Risk of Cancer A new study has shown that the number of cancer related death for firefighters of the age 75 or under are three times higher compared to the general population in the UK.

A unique and one-of-a-kind study by experts in University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have discovered that firefighters were more likely to have absorbed dangerous toxins from fire particles that can cause cancer through their skin rather than inhaling them.

Dangerous Particulates The toxins known as “Particulates” are caused by the thick black smoke while combustion is taking place in a fire incidents. These smoke particles are extremely dangerous and harmful when inhaled, but research has shown that these Particulates tend to stick to objects and can cause contamination and indirect respiratory issues. Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has responded to the study and has shared that the findings are “Shocking” and is possibly due to the inadiquate cleaning of the firefighters clothing after attending a fire scene.

Anna Stec, professor of fire chemistry and toxicity at UCLan, said: “We have found that contaminated clothing and equipment is causing firefighters to be exposed to alarmingly high amounts of dangerous chemicals, which puts them at a greater risk of cancer. Firefighters could also extensively be exposed to harmful gasses during fire incidents, it seems that before this study no other research have raised any attention concerning the long term health risks of firefighters.

What is smoke damage? The damage caused by fires are more devastating then most people thing. Even small fires that have been contained still pose a big risk. The Smoke Particulates from Smoke Damage can still cause substantial problems to both the property and the occupants inside of it. Qualified and experienced Response Specialists must carry out various techniques to decontaminate the incident, and often enough this is a very long process. As time goes by these Particulates can penetrate almost any surface including deep inside walls and ceilings which makes even harder to decontaminate. In these incidents action must be taken immediately to mitigate all damage. Mitigating the damage is the responsibility of the policyholder. Unfortunately Insurance Companies offer little no advice and leave the policyholder without any essential help. Engaging a Loss Assessor to help with fire


insurance claims can take all the stress away by handling the Insurance Claim. Loss Assessor will organising specialist Services to mitigate any damage, additionally they would handle all communication with the Insurance Company and the Loss Adjuster. Source: https://www.oakleafe.claims


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