Boston Fire Department Making Firefighters Aware Of Cancer Risks

BOSTON (CBS) – Firefighters know theirs is a dangerous profession. But the Boston Fire Department is fighting back against a silent killer within their ranks. Cancer. “We have a new cancer diagnosis every two-and-a-half weeks”, said Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn. It’s a sobering statistic that the department is trying to change and one Kevin McNiff is living every day. McNiff was diagnosed with kidney cancer more than a year ago. Since then, the cancer has spread. “I learned that it’s metastasized to my lungs, both lungs. It’s incurable,” he said. McNiff is now sharing his story in a video released by the Boston Fire Department. It features photos of the 160 Boston Firefighters who have died from cancer since 1990. It is designed to raise awareness about research suggesting a link between cancer and toxic fumes created by burning flame retardants inside buildings. Firefighters look at photos of the 160 Boston Firefighters who have died from cancer since 1990. (Image credit: Boston Fire) In addition to the emotional video, Finn is taking steps to help protect the men and women of the department, starting with caring for bunker gear, those heavy suits firefighters wear to protect themselves. Experts have found that those suits can also pose a danger. Carcinogens get embedded in the fabric of firefighters’ gear. (WBZ-TV) “Toxins and carcinogens get embedded in the fabric, so they need to be washed,” Finn said. That is easier said than done. W...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local Boston Fire Department Cancer Dr. Mallika Marshall Source Type: news