Firefighters may be at a greater risk of developing malignant brain tumors due to exposure to harmful chemicals, according to new research. The study, published in the journal Cancer, links firefighting to genetic mutations previously associated with chemical exposure, raising fresh concerns about occupational hazards in the profession.
Study Highlights Links Between Firefighting and Gliomas
Researchers examined 35 individuals diagnosed with gliomas—the most common form of malignant brain tumor. Of these, 17 had a history of firefighting. The findings revealed that firefighters were significantly more likely to carry a specific mutational signature linked to haloalkanes, a class of chemicals found in flame retardants, fire extinguishers, and refrigerants.
Haloalkanes have long been suspected of being harmful, but this study strengthens the connection. Researchers found that among non-firefighters in the study, only those in certain other high-risk occupations—like car painting and machine maintenance—showed similar mutational patterns. That suggests a clear occupational risk factor.
How Chemical Exposure Raises Cancer Risk
Firefighters are routinely exposed to a mix of hazardous substances. When buildings burn, they release toxic compounds that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to dangerous DNA mutations.
- Haloalkanes: Found in fire suppressants and other industrial chemicals, these have been linked to cancer-causing genetic changes.
- Benzene and formaldehyde: Released in fires, these chemicals have been associated with leukemia and other cancers.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Formed when materials burn, these are known carcinogens.
The longer a firefighter remains on duty, the greater the exposure and, potentially, the higher the risk of developing cancerous mutations.
What the Data Reveals
The study found that firefighting experience correlated strongly with the presence of the haloalkane-associated mutational signature. The researchers analyzed genetic markers in gliomas and found:
| Group | Number of Participants | Percentage with Haloalkane Mutations |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | 17 | High |
| Non-Firefighters | 18 | Low to Moderate |
Those with the highest exposure, meaning longer years in service, showed an even stronger likelihood of carrying these mutations.
Broader Implications for Firefighters’ Health
This is not the first time firefighting has been linked to cancer. Previous studies have pointed to increased risks of lung, prostate, and bladder cancers in firefighters. However, this is among the first studies to identify a direct genetic link between firefighting and brain tumors.
Experts say these findings should prompt a re-evaluation of protective measures for firefighters. Some potential steps include:
- Better protective gear: More advanced materials that reduce chemical absorption through the skin.
- Decontamination protocols: Ensuring firefighters remove toxic residues immediately after exposure.
- Regular medical screenings: Identifying potential health risks early through genetic testing and frequent checkups.
Calls for Policy Changes and Further Research
Elizabeth B. Claus, a professor at the Yale University School of Public Health and the study’s lead author, emphasized that while the sample size was small, the results are concerning enough to warrant further investigation. “As firefighters have exposure to such chemical agents, we examined mutational signatures in glioma brain tumors diagnosed in persons who worked as firefighters versus those who did not,” Claus explained.
Firefighter unions and health advocacy groups are now pushing for additional studies and stronger workplace protections. Some are also calling for firefighting-related cancers to be more widely recognized as occupational diseases, which could provide better support and compensation for affected workers.
Without immediate action, experts warn that more firefighters could unknowingly be at risk, facing long-term health consequences from their service.
