A study released yesterday claims there is inadequate scientific research to determine a link between firefighting and cancer.
The 174-page document titled "Assessing State Firefighter Cancer Presumption Laws and Current Firefighter Cancer Research," was prepared by TriData for the National League of Cities -- a non-profit association of cities and state municipals leagues.
According to the study, 24 states currently have presumption laws that allow firefighters and emergency medical service providers who contract cancer to qualify for benefits.
The study concluded that although past studies have found supporting associations between firefighting and various types of cancer, TriData's found that further research must be performed before "definitive linkages can be supported or refuted."
"This study demonstrates the need for more high-level research into cancer and firefighters," Donald J. Borut, executive director of the National League of Cities, said in a statement.
"States should not pass laws requiring cities to take on difficult financial burdens with no clear scientific connection between illness and occupation."
A previous study linking firefighting to cancer -- released in 2006 by the University of Cincinnati -- found protective equipment used in the past did not adequately protect firefighter from cancer-causing agents encountered during the job.
"We believe there's a direct correlation between the chemical exposures firefighters experience on the job and their increased risk for cancer," Grace LeMasters, PhD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the university, said at the time the study was released.
The team analyzed information on 110,000 firefighters, most of them full-time, white male workers, from 32 previously published scientific studies to determine the comprehensive health effects and correlating cancer risks of their profession.
Firehouse.com will provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
